Twenty Twenty Twenty Four Hours To Go

by Jiten Patel
…I wanna be checkmated

The Ramones had a humble and unique embracing when it came to losses, that’s the only way we can learn and grow.  Other musicians have also secretly been expressing their love for chess, if you know where to look.

Drake probably does not win too often, expecting a lot of bad things…He would benefit greatly from IM John Bartholomew, who explains the game so well. with his videos, and also Chessable   Johns Plan…Johns Plan.

Simon and Garfunkel were serious chess players, often wanting quiet when they were contemplating moves …The Sound of Silence…need I explain more?

Even the King himself, Elvis Presley emphasizes how one must take their time while playing…wise men say, only fools rush in… 

Ten years running, but some hearing this for the first time.  Players, coaches, and parents admitted they have sung this in the shower the morning before the Scholastic.  Well…I do too.  Why refer it to “chess thing?”  It comes from this scene in Searching for Bobby Fischer  

Without further ado, I present to you John Denver with some final advice to you for this weekend.

[Chess] bags are packed and ready to go
And notation, and pencil, chess clock, ect.

I’m standin’ here outside your door, I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
Did you preregister?  Get some extra rest then.

But the dawn is breakin’ it’s early morn’   The taxi’s waitin’ he’s blowin’ his horn
Probably feels like being a cab driver at times, eh?  Just remind them who keeps a roof over their head. 
Already I’m so lonesome I could die
Chess is not a spectator sport for most people, many find time chatting with fellow parents and really getting to know one another.

So kiss me and smile for me, Tell me that you’ll wait for me
Flattered, but I don’t know all of you that well.  I won’t whisper sweet nothings into your ear.   Maybe, I will ever so softly squeeze your shoulder, but nothing more!

Hold me like you’ll never let me go
They sure grow up fast, don’t they?

Cause I’m leavin’ for a [chess thing]; Don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go,
Congrats Seniors, and to all of you embarking on a new chapter in your lives. 

There’s so many times I’ve let you down; So many times I’ve played around
Many games are decided because of playing too fast, will it happen to you?

I tell you now, they don’t mean a thing;  Every place I go, I’ll think of you
Every song I sing, I’ll sing for you; When I come back, I’ll bring your wedding ring
Again, flattered, but I will gladly settle for a dark roast, no cream no sugar

Cause I’m leavin’ for a [chess thing];  Don’t know when I’ll be back again Oh babe, I hate to go
For those who have taken the time to read this till the end, this final line takes on a very real meaning, but more to come on this at a later time.

Good Luck to everyone playing, see you this weekend.