Last week, I visited my dad high up in the mountains of Northern California.
He brought out a small box of cassettes he’d found while going through his closet—songs he recorded in the 1960s and ’70s, most thought lost. A previous box of recordings was destroyed during his last move—hours of songs and holiday reels, when he’d let the tape run all day, catching stray bits of conversation from relatives long gone. Then, at some point, someone would grab a guitar, a tambourine, an armadillo and the family would gather ’round the piano to play the old songs late into the night.
Anyway, somehow, these particular tapes got separated.
Fortunately for us.
So we spent the day listening.
A few of the songs hadn’t been played since they were recorded, nearly sixty years ago. Maybe played once for the family and then tossed in the box.
From time to time, I’ll post another here—starting with I Can’t Believe I’m in Love. Recorded with the cheapest drum machine available at the time, which my dad named Randy and speaks to in a Liverpudlian accent (“I was going for Scottish,” he admits.)
Be that as it may, it’s a catchy little song. I love it.
But of course I do.
I think some of you may as well.
Thanks,
I remain,
geo. RAYMOND
I Can’t Believe I’m in Love
by George J. Raymond
copyright 2025
*
‘Cause when I saw her, she saw me
She saw more than I could say.
And I can’t believe I’m in love
Mama you know I am always going to
be your boy. But oh, what a joy
And when I kissed her she kissed me
Like always my face turned red
And we jumped right into the bed
Mama you know I am always going
to be your boy. But oh what a joy
Now don’t cry, I’ve never lied
I’ve tried but I’ve never lied
Please tell me what to do, she
reminds me of you
(whistle break)

Pop listening to the songs long unheard
Your song is upbeat and sounds pretty good! Nice contemplative pic of your dad. :)
Thanks, Nancy!
Great sound! Love it! How is it that he didn’t become a 60’s/70’s musical icon?
Thanks, David!
And now his songs are being heard by an entirely new audience. This is heartwarming, George. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, fw!
Great story and a charming little song.
“It’s got a nice beat and you can dance to it.” Is what I assume kids would have said back when he recorded it. Thanks, Bruce
I love everything about this post!
Thanks, Geoff!
Love it!
Thanks for listening Cindy!
I love that
Thanks, Jat!
Such a cool song! Well done, Sir Randy! Is an armadillo playing the drum machine?
Fortunately, my dad was able to tone down Randy’s drumming a bit as the years went on. Thanks, MM!
What a joy indeed! Loved it!
Thanks, Janny!
Sounds great! What a treasure.
Thanks, JT! I agree.
Lovely song, catchy with a bit of wry! And the drum machine is perfect! JIM
Thanks, Jim!
You definitely stumbled on treasure here. What a beautiful gift for you, your Dad and Family to have these memories to share over again. I love it too!
Thanks, SPP!
George, your dad’s love song to your grandma rocks the Northern California peaks of poetry. A rare treat!
Thanks, E Sum. I appreciate you listening.
that is good I loved it! :-)
Thanks, Carol!
What a nice “get up and dance and insightful” tune for /from the times!
It was like that back then, easy and cutely romantic. Release more!
Thanks, 00. I will pass on your kind words to my pops.
That really IS catchy! It almost felt like a Beatles song, actually. I hope you do post more of these! :)
Thanks for listening, Seliza!
Keep them coming tref. We like it
Thanks! I will post some more in the future for sure. I’ll be sure to pass your kind words along.
Love it! I’ll be humming for the rest of the evening.
Thanks, SS!
[…] To listen to Part one click here […]