“jessie’s girl” « Letters from Grenada

“jessie’s girl”

When I was little I had a babysitter who was capital oh obsessed with Rick Springfield. She’d come over with her vinyl all carefully wrapped in a special case. She’d tell us how she was going to marry “her Rick”. And have his babies. Blah blah yucky yucky blah.

I, the 6-year-old voice of reason was like, Um, Sandy? But you don’t even know him. He lives in California. And I think I heard on the radio that he’s married.

And she was all, Yes, I do! So what!?! And shut up you did not and no he isn’t!

I was so grossed out by this… I think it’s half the reason I’ve never been much for celebrity crushes. (The other half of the reason is River Phoenix and his untimely demise.)

Fast forward 25 years. I’m back in Nyack because my brother’s girlfriend’s brother’s band – “The Hearts-On”, say it out loud – they’re playing in a local bar, and I pinky swear promised I’d be in the audience. And who do you think is there? In the front row? Spending the entire show frantically tapping her foot and desperately trying to make eye contact with the bass player?

Oh, YEAH. Sandy.

At first I was saddened to see she was still the same kind of crazy. But then I realized that she’d redirected her energies to someone she had actually seen in the flesh. So, good for you, Sandy. Rock on.

Also? LOVE THIS TUNE.

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I’m not crazy about the acoustic version but it’s not bad either.

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(Even though, forgive me Rick, I’m pretty sure Jessie with an “i”is a girl’s name, yes? What is that all about?)