161: He Still Has His Sense of Humor

161. "Jack the Lion" by Harvey Danger [iTunes? Yes]
"Jack the Lion roaring his last. Like a vision sent from the past. Bedside crying, holding his hand."

Like Deep Blue Something, Harvey Danger was a "one-hit wonder" band from the mid-90s. Their one hit was a song called "Flagpole Sitta." I tried out their album, and found that I really liked several of the songs. I bought the next couple of albums they put out, too, really liking most of their stuff. The best way I can think of to describe their music is it's like someone took the best parts of Weezer and combined it with the best parts of Green Day. Anyway, I really like their music and would highly recommend any of their three albums.

This song starts out with a driving guitar riff, followed by some good ol' hand claps. (I likes me some hand claps!) And then, it turns into a heartfelt song about a guy going to visit his dad, who is on his death bed.

It takes me back to the spring and early summer of 2006. We knew my Dad was dying. Each time I went up to Arimo to visit him he would be a little bit weaker. It was difficult to see this big, strong man that I had looked up to my whole life getting so weak and feeble. I will always remember the last time I saw him. As I went to leave, he held onto my hand for a few extra seconds, like he knew it would be the last time. I wish he could have lived to see me with my family now. I wish he could have met Amber and been here to share smiles with Roni and Buzz.

This song takes me back to that last day. It has a special place in my heart.

Well, okay, so I know you don't come here to read this expecting sadness and melancholy. You come here to catch a little humor. So, in honor of Harvey Danger, I come to mourn the loss of the name "Harvey."

Is there anyone under the age of 60 named Harvey? I can think of my Uncle Harvey, Harvey Cole, Harvey Korman, and Harvey Kietel. But nobody under the age of 60.

My question is, which is more responsible for the killing off of the name Harvey?
O A. Harvey, the Jimmy Stewart movie about a large imaginary rabbit.
O B. Lee Harvey Oswald.

Personally, I blame Oswald. Not only did he kill JFK, he killed off the name Harvey and the name Oswald. (He might have killed off the name Lee as well, if Lee Majors hadn't been around to hold up the name for heroic goodness!)

COMING UP NEXT: If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay.