(Post title taken from a Swirling Eddies song.)

I’ve been watching “The 100 Greatest Hits of the 80s” on VH1, and in the “where are they now” interviews, it’s notable how many of the performers are sick to death of, or at least annoyed by, their signature tunes. Several who are still performing admitted that when they play the song in concert, it’s a chore, and they only do it because the fans demand it.

By comparison, when Clint Eastwood’s documentary on Tony Bennett aired a few months ago, one of the interview subjects recalled asking Tony if he ever got tired of singing “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.” Tony looked at the fellow like he was speaking Chinese. “That song has taken me around the world,” he said (I’m paraphrasing from memory), “and I’ve performed it for presidents and kings. People love that song. It makes them happy. Why would I ever be tired of it?”

Unfortunately, I have to admit that I have malcontent tendencies. If I had any musical talent, and were lucky enough to write or perform a huge hit song, I’d probably get tired of it too. I have to admire Tony Bennett for having the kind of positive attitude that allows him to recognize what a fortunate position he is in, and appreciate the joy he brings to people.