#SongoftheDay Buffalo Stance (Neneh Cherry)

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This song has been in my head, off and on, for weeks. I finally looked up two things: 

a) Which TV show used it as theme music? 

Jamie's 15 Minute Meals. 

b) What is a Buffalo Stance, anyway?

I'm not quoting the answer I found, because I looked it up last week, but I seem to recall reading a snippet from an interview with Neneh Cherry stating that it refers to the attitude you need to take in order to survive inner city life.

Years ago, I wrote an extensive blog post on this topic. I grew up in a neighbourhood known for its gang activity, and the more time I spend away from that place the less I like going back. My mom still lives there. Years ago I visited her weekly. Then it was monthly. Now it's... well, I could blame the pandemic for keeping me away, but that might be a convenient excuse.

When I wrote previously (on a different blog) about who I need to be to return to my old neighbourhood, I talked about putting on another face to take the bus to my mom's house. I can't be the me I've become in the years since moving away from that area. I'm friendlier now, more relaxed.  Growing up, I was hard, unapproachable, mean. 

I attended a high school that was far from my house, and I remember one of my grade nine teachers telling my mother, "There's steel in that girl." I felt so hurt by that comment. Looking back, I think I was hurt that this teacher (whom I adored) couldn't tell the difference between the face I wore to get by in the world and the me that was inside all that.

If you grow up/live in a nice cozy suburban neighbourhood where your neighbour's not a drug dealer and you're not constantly on edge because people get shot on your street, I guess it's hard to imagine what that life is like. 

I obviously can't speak for everyone who was raised in a similar circumstance, because everybody's life is just so different, but I know I needed to maintain that steely exterior to get by in the world.  I hate putting that mask back on now. It just doesn't fit right anymore.


If you're wondering how you can support me in bringing you songs and visits every day, the easiest thing you can do is tell your friends about the site. Tell anyone you know--particularly people who are isolated and enjoy music.

Readers of adult fiction can also buy my books or check them out from your local library. Supporting my AudioErotica endeavour on Patreon would also help me hugely!

I'm also an Amazon Influencer, so hopefully I can make a little pocket change when you buy stuff by clicking through my affiliate links.

But you don't HAVE to do any of that. I'm very happy to get a daily visit from you, so just keep coming back.

Oh, and I also recommend hitting the "Subscribe" button at the top of the page so you won't miss a song!

See you tomorrow!
Giselle

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