Something different today, a comparison of two versions of the same retro song. The original, and a later cover. For a change, I love both versions, with the cover equally as good, in my opinion. I also saw the band who covered the song perform it live, and it was flawless.
In 1968, Barbara Acklin had a minor hit with this song. I was 16, and it was very much my kind of music.
In 1992, I was 40 years old, and already a fan of the British band, Swing Out Sister. They released a cover version that was a much bigger hit than Barbara’s original, and they kept it almost true to the song. I got to see them around 10 years later at the Jazz Cafe in Camden, and it was a delight to watch them play this live on stage.
Why don’t you stop (stop)
And look me over
(Look me over)
Am I the same girl
You used to know
Why don’t you stop (stop)
And think it over
(Think it over)
Am I the same girl
Who knew her soul
I’m the one you want
And I’m the one you need
I’m the one you love
The one you used to meet
Around the corner every day
We would meet and slip away
But we were much too young
To love each other this way
Am I the same girl
Yes, I am, yes, I am
Am I the same girl
Yes, I am, yes, I am
Why don’t you stop (stop)
And look me over
(Look me over)
Am I the same girl
You used to know
Why don’t you stop (stop)
And think it over
(Think it over)
Am I the same girl
Who knew her soul
I’m the one you hurt
And I’m the one you need
I’m the one who cried
I’m the one you used to meet
But you are pretending
You don’t care
And the fire is still there
But we were no longer too young
To love each other this way
Am I the same girl
Yes, I am, yes, I am
Am I the same girl
Yes, I am, yes, I am
Am I the same girl
Yes, I am, yes, I am
Am I the same girl
Yes, I am, yes, I am
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Eugene Record / William Nelson Sanders
Am I the Same Girl lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc
beetleypete 
Wasn’t this a wonderful time, around the 90th? You could smell something like freedom, and there was real fun in the air. Now we are back in the times of Cold War. ;-( xx Michael
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Yes, it is sad how much times have changed.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Hi Pete, I don’t know either of these. Thanks for sharing.
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The song may not have made it to S.A., Robbie.
Best wishes, Pete.
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i DON’T REMEMBER Barbra but this could amost have been a Detroit sound, I haven’t heard SoS’s version but it’s pretty good.
You have good taste Pete. HUGS
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Thanks, David. Glad you liked it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I remember the 1992 version.
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The original never made the charts in the US or UK. The cover version did, in both countries.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Cool. It may not have made the charts, but it made a hit. Warmest regards, Ed
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Both versions were a big hit for me, Ed. I still play both of them on a regular basis.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Prefer the second. The tune is familiar but not the song.
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I have a real soft spot for the modern version, mainly because I was able to watch them perform the song, and they really nailed it live. But that doesn’t take away from the nostalgia I have for when I bought the original, aged just 16. I would have been surprised if you knew it, Carolyn.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Not really familiar with this tune….good one…..chuq
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The original didn’t make the charts in 1968, chuq.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh man – Swing Out Sister, early Gloria Estefan – you’re speaking my language for what’s worth it after 74 until the late 80s. Save for EWF. I grew up on big band from Kenton to Les Brown. SOS and the Miami Sound Machine? Like EWF, if that don’t get your butt outta the chair you’re dead!
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Glad to hear you like S.O.S, Phil. The best performers I ever saw live.
I am a HUGE fan of EWF, one of my all-time favourite US bands.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Then I won’t tell you I had their music director Myron McKinley, half their rhythm section and trombone player in my hospitality suite in 2005 playing full on jazz. With a gallery of the LA black music mafia hanging out. EWF is some of the finest musicians you’ll ever hear. So are the Commodores.
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Ooops – Miami Sound Machine like SOS kicked major booty live.
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Both versions are excellent!
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I think so too. Thanks, Darlene.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I am old school enough that I will stick with the first version.
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Thanks, Elizabeth. I don’t mind which one I hear.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I love when a musician/band picks up a song from the past and redoes it in their very own style
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I think they did it justice, Beth.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Most appreciated, as I had never heard the original!
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Happy to introduce you to it, Annette.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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I do vaguely remember this song, but again, not really my thing. The rain’s here now, so I’m back at the van!
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I didn’t think this was your kind of music. At least you are inside in the dry now. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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