A Dinka Klinka

Some childhood memories sit at the edge of your consciousness, just waiting to be discovered. That happened to me yesterday evening. A simple song in the background of a TV program sent me reeling into the past. A good memory.

My dad was a passionate singer. We had one of those huge old stereos, the kind that took up half of the living room, with two big orange (or avacado green) panels on either side where the music escaped. Dad loved to sing along with the radio. He sang with such passion and commitment. He sang loud and deep; in my eyes, he was the best singer, ever.

One of the songs I remember best was "The Love of the Common People." It was the Waylon Jennings version (we listened to country music, of course). Hear a sample of it here.

I sang along, but my little ears never got it quite right: "Daddy's gonna buy you a dinka klinka, Momma's gonna love you just as much as she caaaaaan....and she caaaan." I don't remember if I ever asked what a dinka klinka was, or if I thought to ask. All I knew that it must be pretty cool if dad was gonna buy it for you, and by golly, I wanted one. I think I might have even asked for one for Christmas.

Here's my favorite part of the song:

But the closer the knit,

The tighter the fit,

And the chills stay away

--Just take 'em in stride for family pride.

You know that faith is your foundation
With a whole lotta love and a warm conversation,

But don't forget to pray.

Just making it strong where you belong.

And we're living in the love of the common people,

Smile's from the heart of a family man.

Daddy's gonna buy you a dream to cling to;

Mama's gonna love you just as much as she can.

And she can.

Thanks for the memory, dad. I love you.