Down at the End of Lonely Street

Saturday 9: Heartbreak Hotel (1956) 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Elvis checked in to the hotel at the end of Lonely Street. Where was the last hotel or motel you stayed at?

Erie, PA. My hubby and I went there for a long weekend in November...a bit of a getaway for our anniversary, but mostly because I hadn't been anywhere else last year due to pouring every penny into our daughter's wedding and I needed a break in the worst way.

2) He sings that Heartbreak Hotel is always crowded. The fear of crowds is so prevalent that it has four names (enochlophobia, ochlophobia, demophobia and agoraphobia). Are you comfortable in a crowd?

I'm not afraid of being in a crowd (unless you ask me to stand up in front of them and give a speech or presentation), but I wouldn't say I'm comfortable, either.  I'm fine with crowds at an event, but crowds at a party are a different story unless I know a lot of people.  I'm not good at small talk and that's kind of a required skill at parties so it's pretty awkward for me. I'd rather just not go.

3) The desk clerk at Heartbreak Hotel is dressed black. Do you often wear all black?

I often wear black pants or a black shirt, but rarely do I dress in all black.  That said, I am, oddly enough, wearing leggings and a t-shirt that are, you guessed it, all black. My fuzzy socks, however, are striped in varying shades of bright pink to match the graphics on the t-shirt.

4) The song was written by Mae Boren Axton, who said it was inspired by the story of an anonymous young man's suicide in a hotel. She said she read in The Miami Herald that the John Doe left behind a note that said, "I walk a lonely street." What's the last note you handwrote? (Hopefully it was more upbeat.)

It wasn't a suicide note, but other than that, I'm not sure what it would have been. Maybe a note in a Christmas card?

5) When Elvis was 11, his parents bought him a guitar. He had asked for a rifle, but his mama convinced him a guitar was a better idea. Tell us about a time one of your parents was right about something. 

My dad was definitely right when he said I should stay away from parties and drinking in college and focus on my classes.  Too bad I didn't listen to him.

6) Not long before "Heartbreak Hotel" was recorded, Elvis' father recommended he give up the guitar and become a truck driver. Tell us about a time one of your parents was wrong about something.

I believe my dad was wrong to be so strict with me when I was growing up. He grounded me constantly for the smallest infractions and I was never allowed to do a lot of the things my friends were doing. I get that he wanted to protect me from the pitfalls so many teens fall into, but I really think had he been just a bit more flexible I wouldn't have been so hellbent on enjoying all of my freedom once I gained it.

7) There are many stories about Elvis' manager, Col. Tom Parker. One anecdote, about his career before Elvis, has the Colonel painting sparrows yellow so he could sell them as canaries. Have you ever been ripped off?

I'm sure I have been, but I can't think of anything right now. I'm usually very careful about checking things out and reading all the fine print before signing on the dotted line.

8) Speaking of birds, Elvis once owned a peacock. It damaged his cars, so he gave it to the Memphis Zoo. In earlier days, it might have been dinner, for peacock was considered a medieval delicacy. What's the last poultry you prepared?

Chicken nuggets, which are poultry only in theory (I think they are gross...too many unidentified "things" have been found in nuggets), for our grandson. Now that he's eating "real" food, he's turning up his nose at everything but nuggets, fries, and yogurt.  I will be glad when this phase is over.

9)  Random question: You and a friend have dinner at a restaurant. Your friend left her wallet at home, so you pick up the entire tab of $62, including tip. A few weeks later, you two meet for lunch and when the bill comes, she puts down half. Do you remind her that she still owes you $31 from the last time you dined together?

Probably not, especially not at the restaurant. That wouldn't be the right time or place. If it was the first time she'd done something like that I wouldn't see it as a big deal.  If it becomes a habit, I'd probably say something...or I'd just avoid going out for meals with her.

Thanks to Sam for another great song and fun questions.  Visit the Saturday 9 site for links to posts from other players or to find the rules to join in the fun yourself.  Now, get out there and enjoy your Saturday!