February 4, 2004

Calling You

Bagdad Cafe...anyone seen the movie? I haven't, but would like to. A German middle-aged lady tourist gets thrown out of the car by her husband in some Californian desert, and she heads towards a cafe, the Bagdad Cafe, where she proceeds to carve a space for herself, working together with the African-American owner to turn the cafe around. Soon, her visa expires and she has to decide where her life is headed.

The only other thing I know about the movie is its famous song, "Calling You." It was originally sung by Jevetta Steele, and then covered by many other artists. And I mean many. Holly Cole, Barbra Streisand, Lara Fabian, Sissel, Jeff Buckley are some of the more recent singers to have done so. It's a haunting song that fans the dark and buried emotions; stasis, emptiness, visions of wide spaces, the endlessness of time, dreams and desires. Here are the lyrics:

A desert road from Vegas to nowhere
Some place better than where you've been
A coffee machine that needs some fixing
In a little caf? just around the bend

I am calling you
Can't you hear me
I am calling you

A hot dry wind blows right thru me
The baby's crying and can't sleep
But we both know a change is coming
Coming closer sweet release

I am calling you
I know you hear me
I am calling you

I found an MP3 version of Geroge Michael (featuring Queen) singing it here. Just right click on the "download" button and then "save as".

Posted by Monoceros at February 4, 2004 11:36 PM
Comments

hmm...nope...haven't heard about this movie. But will look out for it.

Posted by: joan at February 5, 2004 12:40 AM

It's such a pity that Singapore doesn't really have a "renting video" culture so there aren't many places to rent dvds and videos. There are a ton of old movies that ought to be seen by new generations.

Posted by: Van Heng at February 5, 2004 11:22 PM

Talking of visas expiring...

My work permit has expired and I applied for another renewal. However, they haven't approved it within the two weeks usually set. I contacted MOM today and they said my application is up for external, third party review!

Van, looks like all my moaning about the heat of Singapore and the crap telephone service is catching up with me! PJD threatened that I would have to work as freelancer in JB or even Pakistan if it is rejected! Argggghhhh ...

Van - don't see you online much these days ... would love a chat - I have extreme amounts of gossip for you (most involving me!)

Stay warm...

That movie is a good one, by the way.

Posted by: Barney at February 6, 2004 8:07 AM

Good grief, leaving your work permit renewal to the last minute again?! Well, I hope things work out. Would hate to return to Singapore and not have you there!
You've seen the movie? Oh lucky you. I will catch it on DVD soon.
When's a good time to chat? I haven't gone online because I get hooked on chatting too easily. =)

Posted by: Van Heng at February 7, 2004 9:50 PM

Hey Van,

It came through at last, so looks like I'll be around for a bit...

I am off to the UK on the 16th till March 14th. It'll be work and play... Lauren will be joining me from 7th in Cambridge (forgive her getting such a trip!!).

I won't try to entice you online if it eats up all your time... but you gotta hear my gossip... let's just say, someone stood up to PJD's feet on desk thing (yes, yours truly, the only one with the necessary agression!)

Chat soon and keep up the great posts - your colleagues still miss yer!

B

Posted by: Barney at February 8, 2004 11:20 AM

Hey B, glad to hear the visa worked out. you're going that soon? well we must talk soon then. maybe this weekend before you go. I do want to hear how pjd reacted to your "mutiny"!

Posted by: Van Heng at February 10, 2004 11:46 PM