Music is such a great background companion when you’re working – and some songs seem like they were written specifically for while you’re fixing up a house.
Consider these famous tracks that coincidentally may have been subliminally composed during thoughts of carpentry and/or foundation restoration:
The Beatles – Fixing a Hole:
Sure, there are holes everywhere in older homes. Maybe between the shingles or through an exterior wall. The last thing you want is a hole in your house, so fixing one just seems to make perfectly logical sense. A closed hole is a happy hole – unless it’s there for ventilation.
The Drifters – Up On The Roof:
Well, if that aforementioned hole was up on the roof, you had better Get on Up (James Brown) and make some repairs! Caution and care will be required though. You don’t want to practice skydiving without a parachute.
Peter Paul & Mary – If I Had a Hammer:
Yes, many repairs will be made using a common household hammer. For aggressive renovations, you might have to turn to Peter Gabriel – SledgeHammer. That’s also an option if one of those 2x4s refuses to align in your rec room renovations.
Bobby Darin – If I Were a Carpenter:
If you ARE a carpenter, great! If not, consider consulting one or some other expert to ensure you have the proper permits for your renovations. Specific carpentry skills will come in handy if you hope to avoid installing your new kitchen cabinets with the doors erroneously facing the wall.
Bill Monroe (or Elvis Presley) – Working On the Building:
If you’ve owned a home for any length of time, you will inevitably be working on that building. You’ll be repairing a worn set of toilet mechanisms, fixing a leaky sink, ripping out an outdated dining room light fixture, replacing the banister that came off when you gripped it as you fell down the stairs while reading a text…. There are innumerable chores that require attention maintaining your dwelling.
The Commodores – Brick House / Pink Floyd – Another Brick in the Wall:
Perhaps like the three little pigs, you bought a straw house. In that case, you should really consider NOT lighting birthday cake candles in there.
If you were like that wise piggie who used bricks, you may need to repair some damaged ones, hence needing another brick in the wall. Also, if you happened to purchase a flophouse in need of huge amounts of repairs, you will want to consider the other appropriate Pink Floyd track, Money.
Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball:
Speaking of a teardown residence, sometimes that effort is best left to professionals, with a bulldozer or a large metal ball.
Talking Heads – Burning Down the House:
Or, if you want to risk your insurance payout by doing something less than legal…
The Beatles – She Came In Through The Bathroom Window:
You really should have secured that issue before the cat burglar decided to break in!
Faron Young – Hello Walls:
You know you’ve done a few too many renovations if you are actually greeting your walls.
Lionel Ritchie – Dancing On the Ceiling:
Once the work is done, hey, whatever floats your boat!
Les Misérables – Empty Chairs at Empty Tables:
Well, those renovations did go on far too long…
Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven:
This brings us back to the beginning. Either you are climbing a ladder to replace those missing shingles, or you’re getting into the attic to meet the raccoon that’s eating your insulation – either way, stay safe and those renovations will all go easier with just a few inspired musical choices.
Humour columnist and author Dan St. Yves was licensed with Royal LePage Kelowna for 11 years. Check out his website at danstyves.com.
