Another year, another COVID-driven cancellation of the mayhem that is usually happening this week in San Francisco, generally known as the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference. As I thought about the negatives (missing friends, missing opportune key meetings, missing major news events), and the positives (no $200 coffee klatches, no sweaty crowds, no foot pain and no rainy treks between meetings), my thoughts somehow came out in my head to the tune of the Sounds of Silence. Weird, I know, but here it is for your reading/listening pleasure. The Sounds of Finance JP Morgan my old friend It seems we’ve skipped this year again Because a virus is broadly sweeping At the Westin no one is sleeping And the table that I fought hard to obtain Still remains Yet all the men are tieless On city streets I walk alone No one texting my cell phone With no blisters and no foot cramps And for once it’s sunny and not damp And my eyes were grabbed by the lack of a coffee line Which blew my mind Yet no one talking science And in the SF light, I saw Three normal people, maybe four People walking without shrieking Bankers absent, tourists visiting Union Square with no throngs on benches never shared And no one dared State their forward guidance "Guys" said I, "You did not show. We need to talk about cash flows Hear my plans that I might raise bucks Tell me that my pitch deck really sucks” But my words, like crypto prices fell Despite debt owed We’ll leave with no alliance Healthcare leaders swore and prayed Knowing funds might be delayed And at Starbucks no one swarming No talk of healthcare reforming And the sign said, “The words of management are now available on zoom calls Not in these halls.” And thus we start this year in finance.
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Bravo. Stephen Sondheim will be missed just a little less, with your bright star rising. I think a Grammy is guaranteed.
Ha! Thanks Rick! Happy New Year! Lisa
I think you are right!
Thanks Dee. it’s good to be right 🙂 L
Lisa – Made my morning. Like you, I am really missing the JPM camaraderie and hugs…but enjoying being in my joggers and slippers (with nice sweater, of course!) right now. My kids and dogs are pretty happy, too. But, big virtual hug. Sound of JPM will surely be in my ear all day long! Big virtual hug.
Big virtual hug back, Carin! L
love the creativity…………
Thanks Bill! Apparently I missed my calling as a parody lyricist. Weird Al, look out! L
Thank you Lisa…”the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls…(and in blogs…)
Hi Barbara! Thanks for the note! Miss you, Lisa
Love the rewrite, thanks. Might be more impactful if sung like this version by Disturbed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Dg-g7t2l4
Obviously you’re right Darrell! L
Brilliant! The only solution could be “plastics, Benjamin”.
Ha! Love it. Plastics also make the best pen protectors. L
So funny (especially “But my words, like crypto prices fell”!), but also so disturbing that my mind has already created the music video – film noir, slow fade cutaways to empty SF landmarks, slow motion handshakes in stylized meeting booths…. you intensely singing down the camera barrel and David Shaywitz on harmonies… maybe a live version at a future reunion??
I’m all in on your vision, Adam! L
Really enjoyed that Lisa, thanks!
Thanks Randy! Maybe next JPM. L
So great and sang along in my mind! Hope you are well – virtual hug to you. Happy New Year! – Barbara
Brilliant, Lisa, thanks for the ear worm 🙂
Thanks Janet! L
LIsa –
I love the creativity and the reflection of sentiment for so many of us – see you in Marin very soon .
Laura
Thanks Laura! L
Brilliant ! Forget venture investing – you need to write songs !
Thanks David! I wish someone would pay me for that. Maybe Weird Al Yankovich needs an intern 🙂 L