The Perfect Cure for the Summertime Blahs: More Cowbell!

There’s a little French expression that I always liked as a means to explain that little extra “something” that distinguished a person, an action, a place, a song, or any other focus of attention – “je ne sais quoi“.

Literally translated, “I don’t know what“. As the definition says, “A quality or attribute that is difficult to describe or express”. Those people, places or things possessing this quirky “quality” always stand out – in fact, they typically provide an extra dose of positive energy that makes a huge difference for anyone who comes under their spell.

Mountains have this quality for me – I don’t know what it is, but I never fail to have my spirits lifted by the sight of them. Yep, the “je ne sais quoi”.

Lately, however, I’ve discovered a better way to describe all this – and a much funnier and distinctive way to boot. And it’s not in a foreign language.

Remember that SNL skit about 7 years ago with Will Ferrell and on of my favorite actors, Christopher Walken? Walken played a record producer that implored the members of Blue Oyster Cult to add “more cowbell” to their record “Don’t Fear the Reaper“. Ferrell, utterly hilarious, played a character called Gene Frenkle (see the picture on this post) who played the cowbell.

I still can’t watch this thing without rolling over in laughter. Walken in particular just kills me. (Here’s the video - watch it and then read the rest of this). His line readings and cadence are perfect. Walken’s line that comes at the climax of the bit is the one that sticks in my mind the most:

“I got a fever, and the only prescription… is more cowbell!”

Exactly.

You take an ordinary situation, or song, or anything, and if you really want to make it different, you add “more cowbell“.

I want to spice up a manager’s meeting next week, so we’re going to go on a field trip and explore Yellowstone park as part of it – more cowbell.

I wanted to thank my staff for their hard work, so I sang them a thank you - more cowbell

Rather than take a short fight, I’d rather drive for 4 hours and enjoy the view – more cowbell

This kind of off the wall thinking is perfect for these hot, stifling summer days – instead of wondering how I’m going to stay out of the heat, I’m figuring out how to add more cowbell to my everyday activities. I want to be Gene Frenkle prancing around the studio, “exploring the studio space” with his cowbell.

Yep, I’ve got the fever, so listen for the cowbell. Keep smiling and add some cowbell to your life this summer as well- and that “je ne sais quoi” will be part of you too.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Tweet This Post