The Quarantine Countdown: Im Scared (#2)

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The end of this countdown is near (like the sheriff in Blazing Saddles ), but I have more songs for another “quarantine countdown.” I started this for a chuckle or two, giving songs that have quarantine-appropriate titles. The last two, however, while still humorous in a way, are a little more serious about the situation. Here’s today’s song. #2: I’m Scared - Burton Cummings The older I get the more I appreciate the Guess Who (oh, go on, guess who!!!). They were nearly finished by the time I started listening to rock and roll, with their final hit of that era being “Clap for the Wolfman” (about Wolfman Jack, not hoping a werewolf gets a social disease ). By then Randy Bachman had left and was beginning to have considerable success with Bachman-Turner Overdrive. In 1976 keyboardist/lead singer Burton Cummings started on his own, releasing a solo album. His first single from the album, “Stand Tall,” was a big hit. This was the follow-up single, and it barely dented the top 40. “I’m Scared” (as Cummings mentions in the introduction in the clip linked below) was written from personal experience. He was walking around New York City in early December; and, as he passed the Cathedral of St. Thomas (Episcopal) he felt compelled to go inside. As he was in there, as the song said, “something in the air was oh so rare.” There’s a 15-minute video on You Tube where Cummings returned to the cathedral with a cameraman, explaining the origins of the song. That “something in the air” was there that day, too. I think it’s safe to say that there are a lot of people who are scared in these times. And there are a lot of people who’ve found their solace in their faith who aren’t so scared. I’m Scared Written by Burton Cummings Recorded by Burton Cummings From Burton Cummings, 1976 Stopped by to see St. Thomas (with a couple of Guess Who song snippets at the beginning):