THE RIGHT STUFF

by Tunnel Writer

Author’s Note: Dedicated to my parents, who survived my New Kids On The Block obsession. Also dedicated to every parent that “survived” their child(ren’s) music choices.

* * *

“Father, something MUST be done about that so-called music. If I have to listen to that song one more time, I’m going to scream,” Winslow said as he pounded Father’s desk.

Father sighed and removed his glasses. “I’ll go talk with them.” He slowly stood up.

“THANK YOU!” Winslow blurted out as he went back to his chamber.

Father could hear the music bouncing off the tunnel walls far before he got to the chamber. By the time he got there, it was so loud he couldn’t hear himself think.

First time was a great time

Second time was a blast

Third time I fell in love

Now I hope it lasts

I can see it in your walk

Tell ’em when you talk

See it in everything you do

Even in your thoughts

You got the right stuff, baby

Love the way you turn me on

You got the right stuff, baby

You’re the reason why I sing this song

All that I needed was you

Oh girl, you’re so right

Said all that I wanted was you

You made all my dreams come true

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

The right stuff

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

The right stuff

Your first kiss was a sweet kiss

Second kiss had a twist

Third and your fourth kiss

I don’t want to miss

I can see it in your walk

Tell ’em when you talk

See it in everything you do

Even in your thoughts

You got the right stuff, baby

Love the way you turn me on

You got the right stuff, baby

You’re the reason why I sing this song

All that I needed was you

Oh girl, you’re so right

Said all that I wanted was you

You made all every one of my dreams come true

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh|

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

The right stuff

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

The right stuff

The right stuff, girl, yeah baby, yeah

You know you got the right stuff

And girl, yeah, baby

You know, you know you got it, girl

In my life, you’re so right

You made all you know what you did

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

The right stuff

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

The right stuff

He walked into the chamber to find Ellie, Samantha, and several other preteen girls dancing to the song. They were oblivious that Father was doing everything to get their attention. Frustrated, he finally walked over and pressed “Stop” on the cassette player.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

The right stuff, the girls continued to sing.

They turned bright red when they realized the music had stopped and Father was sternly looking at them.

“Where did you even get this?” he questioned.

“I brought it from above when I came here,” Dawn said shyly. “New Kids on the Block is the biggest thing right now. Every girl loves them. Joey McIntyre is my favorite,” she gushed as she pointed to the many posters hanging on her chamber walls.

Father shook his head.

“Is it not allowed?” Dawn asked, terrified she’d have to give up her New Kids.

“No, you may keep it. Just keep the music down. You’re not the only ones who live here.”

“Thank you, Father!” a chorus of girls’ voices sang out.

As he left, he heard the music turn back on, but not nearly as loud.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh


The right stuff, Father sang quietly to himself. It is pretty catchy, Father thought as he headed back to his chamber.

__________

Song: You Got It (The Right Stuff)
Album: Hangin’ Tough

Performer: New Kids On The Block
Song Written By: Maurice Starr