In the summer of 1983, I applied for a part time job at Wendy’s. I thought it would be nice to have a little cash in my pocket and a little bit of hard work never hurt anyone. I was on time for the interview, was neat in appearance and respectful answering questions. I made sure I did everything right. The only problem, I didn’t get the job.
Apparently, the minimum age to work in California was sixteen and I was fifteen and a half. I couldn’t understand the concept. After all, this was my sixteenth year, I was just a few months shy of actually being sixteen. Couldn’t they just round up? Unfortunately laws were laws and their hands were tied. I left pretty upset, my teenage brain unable to accept the decision. I took it personally. I’ve avoided eating at Wendy’s ever since. I’ve eaten there once in the last forty years, only because I was with friends in a drive-thru and my decade old argument to boycott Wendy’s fell on deaf ears. Although I’m no longer angry, I still won’t eat there. Somethings just die a long slow death.
The Smiths was one of my favorite bands when I was younger. I didn’t nearly have the angst that Morrissey crooned about. I was a normal teenage kid going through normal teenage growing pains. There is something about The Smith’s music that every teenage kid can relate to at some point in their lives. I always found it interesting that some of the saddest lyrics could be paired with the most upbeat melodies. I loved the Smiths. They just made great music.
Today’s song is Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want. If this were a movie scene, I imagine walking out of Wendy’s head down, dejected from rejection while this song plays in the background. So sad.
The song’s lyrics are deceptively simple, revolving around a single request: “Please, please, please, let me get what I want this time.” Morrissey’s plaintive vocals emphasize the desperate tone of the song, as he repeats the request several times throughout the track.
– OldTimeMusic
I still ask the same question till this day – why couldn’t they round up?
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Good times for a change See, the luck I've had Can make a good man Turn bad So please, please, please Let me, let me, let me Let me get what I want This time Haven't had a dream in a long time See, the life I've had Can make a good man bad So for once in my life Let me get what I want Lord knows, it would be the first time Lord knows, it would be the first time
MyGenXerLife 
I feel your pain! I was one day too young to get my driver’s permit in my high school driver’s ed class. My teacher had a DMV rep come to our school to sign everyone up, but the cutoff date was the day before my birthday. I still tried to make my case, showing them my birth certificate and arguing that I was only one day off. But, the lady refused to bend the rules. I was so embarrassed when my classmates asked to see my permit. I had to keep telling the story of missing the deadline by one day. I was so upset by that incident that I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was almost 18! Unfortunately, I needed to drive so I couldn’t boycott them indefinitely.
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One day is so painful. I think my teenage self would go crazy! I’m surprised they didn’t bend the rules for a day. I feel so bad for you!
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Aw, that sucks. But you’re not missing much. Wendy’s ain’t all that. 🙂
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Haha… thanks, good to know. I actually smile or laugh when I see one. It reminds me how ridiculous I am!
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I love the Wendy’s experience. It sounds like something my son would have done. From the age of 11 it seemed he was always just a little too young for whatever he was wanting to do. He would always get so angry. He’s now over 21 so there isn’t much he can’t do now.
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I think of these times as character building! It’s funny. It was such a big deal back then, but in the grand scheme of things, just a blip! Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Much appreciated!
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Lol, that’s a pretty funny grudge! I am like that with Best Buy. They fired my husband back when he was my boyfriend decades ago, and I’ll never shop there again.
My kiddo is applying for his first job now, hoping he gets it bc I’m tired of paying for everything 🤣 it had me thinking about my teenager jobs. I don’t think you missed out on Wendy’s, although access to Frosty’s wouldn’t be so bad 😜
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Whoa. In that case, the gloves come off! No to Best Buy! I don’t blame you. My situation is totally ridiculous. I admit it. But I’ll still pass on them! Haha.
Hope your son gets the job! It will be a great experience for him. Plus the paycheck helps!
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Beautiful lines! One day the wish should be fulfilled. 👌
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Only in England could Morrissey happen.
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