My Gen X Playlist: Cornflake Girl – Tori Amos

I was grocery shopping the other day and found myself in the cereal section. I don’t normally eat cereal for breakfast but I passed by corn flakes and it reminded me of my grandfather.

When I was a little kid, I remember eating cornflakes at my grandfather’s house. It was either that, or he’d cut a grapefruit in half, sprinkle it with sugar and we’d eat it with one of those jagged spoons. I didn’t mind grapefruit, but given a choice, I’d choose cornflakes. I found myself grabbing a box and then making a b-line for a small carton of milk. Two items I don’t normally buy, but nostalgia gave me a nudge.

Funny how we associate certain foods with people or childhood memories. On the other side of the ledger, when I think about my other grandfather, I think about fresh bagels and a chub (I had to look up the correct word) of dry salami. Back in the 70’s, bagels were not readily available where we lived in Southern California, so the variety he brought on his visits was like Christmas. Apparently, bagels and salami are San Francisco specialties. I had no idea that San Francisco is considered the salami capital of the United States. But that tracks in my little world as a kid. I still think of my grandfather whenever I eat either one.

I like when food triggers childhood memories. It’s just one of the five senses reminding you of the past. I don’t think eating corn flakes will be an everyday thing for me, but I sure enjoyed it this morning. If my grandfather were alive, I’d definitely give him a cheers clink with our spoons before enjoying a spoonful. I can imagine his smile as we enjoyed breakfast together in silence. Sometimes nothing needs to be said. It’s just the moment.

Tori Amos’ Cornflake Girl came to mind for today’s song. I was reading the backstory and was a little surprised. True to form, I had no idea what this song was about. It’s a more powerful song than I ever imagined. And not to take away from the meaning behind the song, but I’m going to focus on something a little lighter.

Before she became famous, Tori appeared in a commercial for Kellogg’s “Just Right” cereal, beating out Sarah Jessica Parker, who was also unknown at the time, for the part. Tori played piano in the ad. Kellogg’s also makes Corn Flakes.

Songfacts

I’m going to think about this instead. At least for today. I can ruminate on the true intent another time.

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

Never was a cornflake girl
Thought that was a good solution
Hangin' with the raisin' girls
She's gone to the other side
Givin' us a yo-heave-ho
Things are getting kind of gross
And I go at sleepy time
This is not really
This, a-this, a-this is not really happening

You bet your life it is
You bet your life it is
Oh, honey, you bet your life it's a
Peel out the watchword
Just peel out the watchword

She knows what's going on
Seems we got a cheaper feel now
All the sweet tears are gone
Gone to the other side
With my encyclopedia
They musta paid her a nice price
She's puttin' on her string bean love
This is not really
This, this, this is not really happening

You bet your life it is
You bet your life it is
Oh, honey, you bet your life it's a
Peel out the watchword
Just peel out the watchword

Never was a cornflake girl
Thought that was a good solution

Rabbit, where'd you put the keys, girl?
Rabbit, where'd you put the keys, girl? (Uh-huh)
Rabbit, where'd you put the keys? (Oh, yeah)
Rabbit, where'd you put the keys?
Where'd you put the keys, girl?

And the man with the golden gun
Thinks he knows so much
Thinks he knows so much, yeah
And the man with the golden gun
Thinks he knows so much
Thinks he knows so much, yeah
And the man with the golden gun
Thinks he knows so much
Thinks he knows so much, yeah
And the man with the golden gun
Thinks he knows so much
Thinks he knows so much, yeah, yeah

Rabbit, where'd you put the keys, girl? (Oh, yes)
Rabbit, where'd you put the keys, girl? (Oh, this time)
Rabbit, where'd you put the keys? (Oh, yeah)
Rabbit, where'd you put the keys, girl?