"a translation problem"?

Jim replies

Think about it. A German version is being prepared, for a country which can hear next door Radio Luxembourg already broadcasting the English version.

You are given the job of translating it into German, while keeping the hook sounding more or less like the English version.

But translate "You Don't Own Me" into German, and it sounds nothing like the English title.

So, take a similar sounding phrase, using common words which Europeans already know, like "Goodbye" and "Tony", and you have a title, which sounds sort of like the original, and (if you listen to the German words) fits generally into the original story line.

Happened all the time. Guys made a small fortune translating American hits into French, German, Spanish and Italian - it really was a skill.

And what is all that stuff about the comedy team of J and J?

Which J is first - Is it you? Or me?

There could be billing problems over this. My J has to be first on the marquee.

And what is this comedy thing all about anyway?

I was being deadly serious.

You're the guy who is turning it all into a joke.

And what's gonna become of my Edsel?

You never answered that, did you?

My Edsel cannot even reach 45, let alone 78. It just makes 33 and nothing runs at 33.

Just because your from New Jersey and oh soo cool, and I'm just Irish (where it rains a lot), does not give you the right to muscle in on my billing, or sneer at my choice of hi-fi. Nothing wrong with Edison.

Incidentally, saw "Jersey Boys" in London a few weeks back, and it was really excellent.

But they all speak funny.

Did you know your state is actually called "noo joisy"?

I mean -

"You say Noo Joisy and I say New Jersey
You say the Moisy and I saw the Mersey"....

Actually there might be a song in there somehwere.

If so, it's mine.

• RE: 2nd Largest Hit - Lesley Gore - Goodbye Tony - John 09/06/2008 16:30:26 EDT (0)