The Kitchen Musician ~ December 2022
Hello friends,
I am enjoying the World Cup soccer (futbol) tournament this month. It inspired me to share a song I wrote for my talented soccer playing grandson, Andrew. Join me in the kitchen and I will sing it for you and explain how Andrew got his soccer nickname, Zapatito.
Index
NEWS:
THIS MONTH’S MUSIC: “Zapatito (Little Shoe)”
UPCOMING SHOWS
FEATURED NON-PROFIT: Planned Parenthood
Tom at The Burren, Somerville, MA.
Photo: Dan Tappan
News:
Not much news in Tomsmithland this month, but I do have a few shows coming in the spring.
This Month’s Music:
“Zapatito (Little Shoe)”
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“Zapatito (Little Shoe)”
© 2021 Peabody Hill Publishing (ASCAP)
by Tom Smith (ASCAP)
Lyrics in comment below.
Margo and I have been enjoying the World Cup this month. Setting aside all of the terrible aspects related to the host country Qatar, I am quite engaged by the high level of athletic competition, regardless of the size and wealth of the countries participating. And while athletes are definitely competing hard, in general they display great sportsmanship and even affection for their competitors.
Another reason I am enjoying the World Cup is because I can share it with my grandson, Andrew. He knows all of the teams and players, and is himself a terrific soccer player. He plays on a select club team and has participated in tournaments throughout New England, Kansas and California. So when writing songs for my 2021 album “for kids and their grownups”, I wrote a song for Andrew, who was 9 years old at that time.
Andrew’s full name is Andrew Hsu. His father is Chinese American, and they pronounce their last name like “shoo” (or “shoe”.) Since many of the great soccer players have nicknames, Andrew’s parents gave him one when he was little and his interest in soccer was blossoming. They called him Zapatito, which in Spanish translates to “Little Shoe.” It kind of stuck, in spite of the fact that he has grown rather tall, with much larger shoes now that he is 11 years old.
Andrew is a rather modest and humble kid. He would never brag about his soccer skill, so I decided to poke a little fun by putting those words into his mouth, since the narrator in the song is not shy about boasting. After spending a lot of energy on the playing field, Andrew also enjoys quiet time, whether that be lying on the floor with his dog Luna, or curled up listening to a good book with his parents, sister, cousins or grandparents – hence the third verse.
In addition to this informal video, you can hear the studio recording of “Zapatito” (with cameo appearance by my daughter Mally Smith) at this link.
Play on!
Tom
(If so inclined, I invite you to leave a comment by scrolling to the end of this page.)
Featured Non-profit
Featured Non-profit: Planned Parenthood
In response to the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade, and new laws in many states that virtually eliminate the right of women to make important decisions about their own bodies, I encourage you to join me in support of Planned Parenthood.
“At Planned Parenthood our mission is to ensure all people have access to the care and resources they need to make informed decisions about their bodies, their lives, and their futures. Founded in 1916, Planned Parenthood is a trusted health care provider, educator, and passionate advocate here in the U.S. as well as a strong partner to health and rights organizations around the world. Each year, Planned Parenthood delivers vital sexual and reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people.”
Please join me in supporting Planned Parenthood.
Tom
December 14, 2022Zapatito (Little Shoe)
© 2021 Peabody Hill Publishing (ASCAP)
by Tom Smith (ASCAP)
My super power is soccer
My shot’ll shock a blocker
It blows right by the stopper
My aim is true
A soccer ball torpedo
I am the M.V.P.-O
They call me Zapatito
Little shoe.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL !
Yes I am Zapatito
Quick as a mosquito
A supercharged neutrino
A billion watts
My dribble is a riddle
On the outside or the middle
Ain’t no goalie that’ll quibble
With my shots
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL !
But when I’m in my jammies
On the couch with gramps and grammie
I trade soccer ball for lambie
Snug as bugs
There’s a book that they’ll read to me
And a peace will run right through me
It’s looking good for me
To score some hugs
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL !
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL !
YAY! ZAPATITO!
Jennifer Rugg
December 16, 2022Sent to Charlie, who is working on a concept he calls Good Game, to help develop players for a full life beyond sports.
Tom
December 16, 2022Hi Jennifer. Yes I do remember that Charlie is a very talented soccer athlete. How cool that he is doing this. Please share more info as it develops.
Bill Miller
December 18, 2022Dear Tom,
I enjoyed your song about Zapito and was very touched by your “One Step Becomes Two”. I missed that previously and am glad I found it with your link! Please continue to try to write songs. You are a gifted songwriter and musician. A psychiatrist once told me, “the ideal and the real are often very close” and I am still trying to learn from that wisdom….
I am working on your songs Working Poor and The Eensie-Weensie Spider. I like both though my guitar playing parts are much more basic….
Carry on with your work and thank you for sharing your music! — Bill Miller
Elaine
December 20, 2022Goal for you Tom !
What fun !
Thanks Cuz, you brought a smile to this old lady’s face today !
Elaine, AKA “Nan”