High school angst: ‘Heart of Gold’ brings back some bad memories

As far as jobs go, radio definitely has its perks. Nearly every day for the past five and a half years, I’ve had the chance to sit behind a microphone, and talk about and listen to music. There’s more to it than that, believe me, but being involved with music in this way seems only natural.

I grew up in a fairly musical family. Regardless of what she was doing, my mom would always belt out a song in her soprano range. In something straight out of a ’70s sitcom, she would sing good morning to us as she walked down the hall. My sister followed suit singing in various school choirs, while my brother played alto saxophone throughout middle and high school.

I know the basics on a few instruments – piano, drums, bass, theremin (not really, but I’ve always wanted to learn) – but the guitar is my instrument of choice. You know that annoying, cringe-worthy guy who always brought his guitar to parties? Yeah, that was me. I spent hours learning songs by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and dozens of other artists that I now get to hear at work every day. Unfortunately, a particular song by one of those artists haunts me.

There was a talent show in my final year of high school. In the months leading up to it, I had added the harmonica to my musical repertoire, so this seemed like a good opportunity to show off my skills. When the big day finally arrived, I walked into the spotlight and told a joke to break the ice. On an out-oftune $30 guitar, I began strumming the opening chords of Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” and blew the instantly recognizable intro on the harmonica.

When the song came to a close three minutes later, it was clear that I absolutely nailed it. Standing ovation. First place — $200 richer. A girlfriend in every class. The coolest dude in school. At least, that’s how I had pictured it in my head. Reality played out a bit differently. Despite what I thought was an overwhelming positive response to the song, apparently I would’ve had more luck strapping on a pair of tights and performing a Shakespearean monologue … since that’s the act that was awarded first place. You might be thinking I got second place, right? Think again. Third place? Nope. Long-lasting teenage trauma? You bet!

Since then, whenever I hear “Heart of Gold” I’m reminded of that ill-fated day. Every now and then, I’ll pull out my guitar to strum a few chords, just to see if I’ve had a change of heart. Maybe it’s easier to sit behind the mic and leave the music to the professionals.

Logan Piekema is the afternoon host on 102.1 CJCY, weekdays from 2-7 p.m.