I knew Andy Karp, Group Editor Lenses and Technology for Vision Monday and 20/20 Magazine, was a musician, but I didn’t know the extent of his talents. Nor did I know that Jeff Hopkins, VM feature writer and Pro to Pro contributor, was a talented lyricist. That is, until I saw Andy’s article, The Birth of a Bifocal Lament in Vision Monday. I enjoyed the parody so much, I had to share it.  

But first, a little back story. Andy and Jeff teamed up in 2006 for a parody of Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line.” Jeff wrote the lyrics, with the idea that Andy would put them to the music of Cash’s song. As can happen with many great ideas, it hibernated - until October 2020. Andy remembered the song while working with Jeff on VM’s “At Your Service.” Andy put his musical expertise to work, and a parody was born!

I’m sure you’ll enjoy Jeff’s lyrics, and here’s a link to Andy’s vocal: https://player.vimeo.com/external/479032491.sd.mp4?s=33f79ee7b88296c7302a45df3ad63505bd591159&profile_id=165

I See the Line

My glasses aren’t the best but they are mine
I use them when I read and drive and dine
I really should be happy but I whine
I don’t see fine, I see the line

The reading part is big and wide and clear
I see the world alright both far and near
But my world is divided here and here (gesturing)
I don’t see fine, I see the line

What really puts me right down in the dumps
Is that I don’t see the world in one big lump
From far to near I have an image jump
I don’t see fine, I see the line

But sometimes I can feel the need to change
Because my glasses don’t have no midrange
So when I use my laptop I feel strange
I don’t see fine, I see the line

My glasses aren’t the best but they are mine
I use them when I read and drive and dine
I really should be happy but I whine
I don’t see fine, I see the line

APPLAUSE! And a big thank you to Andy for sharing this.  You can read the full VM article at https://www.visionmonday.com/scene-and-heard/todays-read/article/the-birth-of-a-bifocal-lament/