You may recognize the beginning of this catchy tune from a 2015 Delta Air Lines commercial about a business traveler…I totally related to the travel angst but mostly I was just taken by the charm and wit of the score.

I had to know more about this music.  I uncovered The Free Design, a little known “sunshine pop band” of the late 1960s/70s that was inspired by musicians such as Peter, Paul and Mary.  Their trademark sound involved complex harmonies, jazz-like chord progressions, and off-beat time signatures, all products of the leader Chris Dedrick’s classical music training.  Clever, intricate arrangements, charming words and beautiful voices make me smile…and cheer me.

Now a family favorite…especially for my grandson who listens to it nearly every day…on his playlist. (yep he has his own playlist). “Love You” was dedicated to “very important people” (children) …but it is really delightful for all.

It is a smile start to finish.  And a reminder to “give a little time for the child within you”!

You will want to read these lyrics and marvel at how they are creatively joined together in this charming song…Enjoy

LOVE YOU, by Free Design

Give a little time for the child within you,
Don’t be afraid to be young and free.
Undo the locks and throw away the keys
And take off your shoes and socks, and run you.
La, la, la…

Give a little time for the child within you,
Don’t be afraid to be young and free.
Undo the locks and throw away the keys
And take off your shoes and socks, and run you.
La, la, la…

Run through the meadow and scare up the milking cows
Run down the beach kicking clouds of sand
Walk a windy weather day, feel your face blow away
Stop and listen: Love you.

Roll like a circus clown, put away your circus frown
Ride on a roller coaster upside down
Waltzing Matilda, Carey loves a kinkatchoo

Joey catch a kangaroo, hug you.

Dandylion, milkweed, silky on a sunny sky
Reach out and hitch a ride and float on by
Balloons down below catching colors of the rainbow
Red, blue and yellow-green: I love you.

Bicycles, tricycles, ice cream candy
Lollypops, popsicles, licorice sticks
Solomon Grundy, Raggedy Andy
Tweedledum and Tweedledee, home free.

Cowboys and Indians, puppydogs and sandpails
Beachballs and baseballs and basketballs, too.
I love forget-me-nots, fluffernutters, sugarpops
I’ll hug you and kiss you and love you
La, la, la… Love you.

If the above link doesn’t work try this…I’m experimenting with spotify!