ARMS

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ARMS - Ooh La La (Faces Cover)

ARMS - “Ooh La La (Faces Cover)”

This has always been one of my favorite songs (for reasons, not the least of which, including its perfect placement at the end of Rushmore), but it wasn’t until a few months ago that that feeling really solidified. I was contacted by Susan Lane, the widow of Ronnie Lane, the guy who wrote and sang “Ooh La La” in the Faces. Somehow, she’d become a fan of my music, and saw something of Ronnie’s spirit in my songs. I was mystified and humbled by all this, and in the months since, the widow Lane has become something of a penpal and a long-distance mentor for me. She’s very sweet and wise, tells me about my life, i tell her about mine. I haven’t had a penpal in years - let alone one who gives such measured, clear-eyed advice. I recorded this cover as a gift to Susan - and I thought I’d share it with you guys, too.

The lyrics to “Ooh La La” are simple and moving in a way that you don’t really hear any more - the idea that the narrator wished he knew what he “knows now” both when he was younger (so he could act accordingly) and stronger (as opposed to now, when he clearly has trouble living by his own words) is just heartbreaking. Love, love this song.