Overhead Clapping

Clapping is a big deal. There was that 600 lb. man who lost over 100 lb. from clapping during Sweatin to the Oldies. It's clearly not something you should just go around doing all the time unless you have a lot of weight to lose. In which case, why are you so happy about being overweight?

Hmm, anyway. I hate when you go to concerts and they try to make you clap. Everyone knows it doesn't even last through the first verse anyway..so why bother? I will always be the girl in the front, but strategically and nonchalantly off to the side so I can pretend I'm not an obsessive fan like the frc (front row center for you noobs), crossing her arms during the beginning of a clap song..because I can (john mayer said so).

If a song wants me to clap, it has to earn it.

The true test of a song earning it is if, usually at/around the bridge, the music goes away and the crowd is instantly moved to do the overhead clap. That's how you know it's a good song. If people feel so strongly about keeping the song going even though it's 3/4 of the way over that they are willing to set down their drinks, raise their arms and do a powerful overhead clap in unison...that's a good song.

I've compiled a short sampling of songs that have the power to make even the crossiest arms person such as myself give a little overhead clap.

..no, no, stop..it was my pleasure.

Your Smiling Face..James Taylor (it's a rarity you'll hear this song out and about, but this is a staple song in the 2000 cam..i usually play it so I can see your smiling face..and overhead clap.)

Jack and Diane..John Cougar Mellencamp (The obvious let it rock let it roll part. I dare you to have 1+ drink(s) and then listen to this song and not overhead clap. impossible.)

Renegade..Styx (oh mama, this one gets everyone going. then the clapping turns into kind of an alternating fist pumping thing. It's really pretty great.)

Where do I go..by..the Camp Shamineau people? or was it Amy Grant? (for the conservative christian 1990's camp goers out there. I always hated the clapping part because it meant you couldn't do the 'real' actions..but the clapping cannot be avoided. plus it's only 1 chorus.)

Paradise City..Guns N Roses (I'll take you home..but only if you overhead clap.)

Song of the South..Alabama (I'm just as embarrassed about this one as you are)

Plenty more where this came from, no doubt. But a girl's gotta get to work.