Download  ” The Mills Brothers” were actually brothers (four of them) who would gather in front of their father’s barber shop and sing for people passing by – no doubt for tips.  That’s always been a secret dream of mine – to be a street musician.  What a treat to set up my equipment on a street corner and play whatever and whenever I wanted.  It’s what I’ll do when I retire, I think.  Beats a club manager looking over your shoulder.  But I digress…

The brothers had a string of hits through the 50’s and 60’s, most of them becoming classics like “Paper Doll”, “Standing on the Corner”, “Nevertheless”, “Lazy River”, “Glow Worm”, and this terrific tune, “Cab Driver”.  This piece was their last hit and released in 1968.  However, the song would have had it’s problems in this day and age.

It’s about a poor soul who’s lost his girl and is pining away for her – even hires a cab just to drive by her house (her name is Mary, by the way) and reminisce about their lost romance.  But if you pay attention to the lyrics, it’s just a hair frightening.  The word “stalker” comes to mind.

First line: ” Cab driver, drive by Mary’s place – I just want a chance to see her face”.  Okay, this guy doesn’t want to talk – just wants to stare at her.  Hmmm…  creepy.

Next line:  “Don’t stop the meter, let it race”.  Apparently, price is no object – nothing worse than a stalker with money.  His next request is “Cab driver, once more ’round the block”.  Once more?  How many times has he circled the block – like 2 or 3… or 60? Then it’s “once more down the street” – then “wait here by her door”.  Now it’s getting serious – he’s moving in closer.

Finally, he decides “Cab driver, better take me home”.  Well… yeah.  Don’t you imagine by now Mary has noticed this nut job circling the block and called the cops?  And not to forget this joker has tricked a poor cabbie into the role of accomplice.  This guy is SCARY!

Still a great song, though… if you don’t over-analyze it like some people.

[Pop/Rock List]