6. I've Never Been To Me - Charlene (1977)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZgIk2b68gQ Oh I've been to Nice and the isle of Greece Where I shipped Champagne on a yacht I moved like Harlow in Monte Carlo And showed them what I got I've been undressed by kings And I've seen some things That a woman ain't s'pposed to see I've been to Paradise But I've never been to me This is a fantastic slice of fromage for all the ladies out there to warble along with. Charlene's hedonistic shenanigans (including seducing a preacher man in the sun) are put out there as meaningless and shallow compared to 'discontented mothers' and 'regimented wives' who have found true love no matter how ornery their husband and kids are. The singer does own up to 'subtle whoring' but this is unlikely to cheer up any harassed women out there living a dreary existence. Charlene's life just sounds so inviting. However, the first time I heard the song, I cracked up laughing at its silliness but now I consider it a camp classic and indeed, it has been much parodied in popular culture and translated into several languages. Get in there Charlene! Cavort with the Kings!
Clare Simpson
Contributor
My first film watched was Carrie aged 2 on my dad's knee. Educated at The University of St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin. Fan of Arthouse, Exploitation, Horror, Euro Trash, Giallo, New French Extremism. Weaned at the bosom of a Russ Meyer starlet. The bleaker, artier or sleazier the better!
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Clare