Someone left the cake out in the rain, I don’t think that I can take it, ‘Cause it took so long to bake it. And I’ll never have that recipe again – Donna Summer
And today as we mark a historic milestone, the coming of the Messiah of Travel 55 years ago, a word on cakes, songs and one particular song, MacArthur Park.
My own party piece for a family birthday is to leave the cake outside on the patio table before cranking up the song and then bringing it inside.
But what of the location of Donna Summer’s disco masterpiece cover.
Of Richard Harris’s weak croaky version?
Well, there are many MacArthur Parks in the US, all named for the war hero General Douglas MacArthur.
But this one is in LA.
The story goes that composer Jimmy Webb wrote it about the break-up of his relationship with Susie Horton.
That they would meet regularly for lunch in the park opposite Susie’s insurance office near Downtown LA where I’ve seen first hand its cultural snd historic growth.
And that he did see a cake left out in the rain and the old men playing checkers by the trees.
It’s a thing in the States, outdoors chess and checkers.
And on a family trip to New York the Son and Heir played with a dude who claimed to have played with Bobby Fischer.
And just saying in the passing Mrs M will surely find the recipe again…
It’s written on the empty box I found in the bin!
