Summary of "Bernie Somers: Women and Children" – The Moth, June 29, 2009

Host: Dan Kennedy
Storyteller: Bernie Summers
Recorded At: Moth Story Slam Competition
Theme of the Night: Songs

Introduction to the Story

In his engaging and heartfelt story, Bernie Summers takes the audience on a journey exploring the intertwining of creativity, relationships, and personal growth. His narrative begins with a humorous take on the Broadway musical adaptation of the Titanic disaster, setting the stage for deeper reflections on love and self-expression.

Creating the Titanic Song

Bernie opens by recounting his reaction to a Broadway musical about the Titanic, finding it peculiar to perform extravagant show tunes about a tragic event. This led him to craft his own version of a song for the musical.

"Imagine the deck of the Titanic and people are running back and forth in a frenzy because they're all gonna die and they're all singing this song." [(02:15)]

He humorously presents his self-written song, acknowledging his lack of professional singing abilities but emphasizing that the story is the focus, not his vocal performance.

The Song Lyrics and Initial Reception

Bernie's song features the repetitive chorus, "Women and children first," reflecting the historical protocol during the Titanic's sinking. He shares the lyrics to illustrate the frantic atmosphere he envisioned.

"Women and children first. Women and children first. Women and children first. Women and children first." [(02:45)]

He explains how he shared this song with his then-girlfriend, Wendy, who appreciated its creativity and encouraged him to pursue songwriting.

"She said, you know, you should be a songwriter." [(03:10)]

The Party Incident and Conflict

At a party, Wendy passionately promotes Bernie's song, urging him to perform it for the attendees. Despite his reluctance and dismissive attitude toward his creation, Wendy persists.

"She starts singing my song, but she's butchering it first." [(04:00)]

Her misinterpretation of the lyrics and melody frustrates Bernie, leading him to confront her about her handling of his work. This confrontation marks the beginning of their emotional disconnect.

"How dare you? I wrote that song. I had to come up with words. I had to put them together." [(06:10)]

Breaking Up Over the Song

Bernie's insistence on preserving his artistic integrity culminates in a breakup with Wendy. He reflects on the irrationality of ending the relationship over a song, highlighting how trivial disputes can have significant emotional impacts.

"I can't be with anyone who doesn't get my music, man." [(07:20)]

Self-Reflection and Realization

After the breakup, Bernie discusses the conversation with his friend Joey, who points out the irony in Bernie condemning Wendy for the song when Bernie himself had dismissed it as "a stupid little song."

"You yourself said it was a stupid little song. Remember, you said when you wrote it, you weren't serious." [(08:05)]

This moment of clarity helps Bernie understand that his feelings for the song mirrored his feelings for Wendy—what began casually had evolved into something meaningful.

Lessons Learned

Bernie extracts two key lessons from this experience:

1. Evolving Feelings: Initial casual and carefree emotions, whether in creativity or relationships, can deepen unexpectedly.

   "Sometimes when you start something was like casual, carefree feelings... sometimes those feelings can turn serious." [(08:45)]

2. Creative Expression: Personal turmoil can inspire new creative endeavors, as evidenced by Bernie writing a second song inspired by his melancholy.

   "My melancholy mood over losing Wendy inspired me to write another song." [(09:10)]

The Second Song: A Reflection on Loss

In an emotional continuation, Bernie shares his second song for the Titanic musical, this time infused with sadness and regret. The narrative centers on a man disguised as a woman to board a lifeboat, only to regret the deceitful act.

"I'm sorry I did not want to drown. That's why I dare don this gown." [(09:55)]

This poignant song underscores the themes of sacrifice and the complexities of human emotions, illustrating Bernie's growth from humor to heartfelt introspection.

Conclusion

Bernie Summers' story encapsulates the delicate balance between artistic expression and personal relationships. Through humor, conflict, and self-discovery, he conveys the profound ways in which our creations and connections shape our lives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Song Creation: "Imagine the deck of the Titanic and people are running back and forth in a frenzy because they're all gonna die and they're all singing this song." [(02:15)]
• Encouragement to Songwriting: "She said, you know, you should be a songwriter." [(03:10)]
• Conflict Over the Song: "How dare you? I wrote that song. I had to come up with words. I had to put them together." [(06:10)]
• Friend's Realization: "You yourself said it was a stupid little song. Remember, you said when you wrote it, you weren't serious." [(08:05)]
• Lessons Learned: "Sometimes when you start something was like casual, carefree feelings... sometimes those feelings can turn serious." [(08:45)]
• Reflection through Music: "My melancholy mood over losing Wendy inspired me to write another song." [(09:10)]

Final Thoughts

Bernie's narrative is a testament to the unexpected emotions that arise from creative pursuits and romantic relationships. His ability to weave humor with sincerity provides a relatable and moving story for listeners, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and emotional honesty.

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