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AIBU?

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Original poster

Would you like this or find it unbearably cringe?

650 replies

TheEnterainer · 26/01/2025 17:17

We have a friend with a birthday in a few weeks.

The number one song when he was born was ‘Cinderella Rockafella.’

As you’ve possibly guessed - if this was his birthday number one - he’s still a young lad and might be a bit shy and self conscious when it comes ti things like showy displays ! 🙌

His birthday’s at the beginning of March.

What my partner and I would love to do is an impromptu dance to this song when we all visit the local social club in a few weeks to celebrate his birthday.

I’m busy learning the exact lyrics for this song already!

i personally LOVE this song although some people apparently find it a bit twee

SO -

YANBU - it’s a lovely, gesture and great to take initiative at a time when most people are busy scrolling their phones and CBA to make an effort for anyone or anything!

YABU - ‘Cinderella Rockafella’ is a novelty record sung by seasoned performers and the ‘Average Joes’ of this world can’t carry off such a performance without it looking extremely naff!

OP posts:
Original poster
TheEnterainer · 27/01/2025 08:22

The Pura Vegetable Oil ad with the Richard Briers voiceover was 1975 !!!! Jesus wept! I miss this style of ad though

OP posts:
Original poster
TheEnterainer · 27/01/2025 08:35

SkaneTos · 26/01/2025 17:40

I agree with this.

If someone would sing for me on my birthday, I would rather hear a popular song from my teenage years, not from the year I was born.

Show quote history

Mmm fair enough - good point

OP posts:
Original poster
TheEnterainer · 27/01/2025 08:40

Wendolino · 26/01/2025 17:42

It sounds like something that Cathy and Colin from Two Doors Down would do. I.e., a terrible idea.

Ok let’s be honest …

it’s like something Pete and Dawn would do in Gavin and Stacey

i had to google Dawn’s name - was going to say Pete and thingy!!

But yes - this is SO ‘Pete and Dawn’ from Gavin and Stacey !!! 🙌

OP posts:
EnjoyingTheSilence · 27/01/2025 08:42

It doesn’t matter what the song is, it could be an amazing song, the idea is terrible. It’s all about you, not the birthday person. The only way this would be ok is if he’d asked you to do something. I’m guessing he hasn’t. So don’t.

Original poster
TheEnterainer · 27/01/2025 08:42

By the way - what I really love about Cinderella Rockafella is the plonky piano bit at the very end !!

OP posts:
Waterboatlass · 27/01/2025 08:50

I think many people would find it a lot more thoughtful and enjoyable if you picked one of their favourite songs, maybe from their formative years.

Unless he likes this one it's a bit about you, would he even get the reference?

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 27/01/2025 08:54

NattyTurtle59 · 27/01/2025 03:08

How on earth do you know it will mean nothing to the birthday person? - it's a bit of a stretch for you to claim that. I certainly know most of the songs which were popular the year I was born. Presumably OP intends explaining anyway.

Brits do seem to be fun sponges from reading this thread - people here would be more up for it.

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I'm old enough to remember when it came out. The song was one of those dreadful novelty songs which for some inexplicable reason sells really well. Goodness only knows why and who bought it- no-one will ever admit to having bought it. It was rubbish then and it hasn't improved.

I had to look up the no. 1 songs in my birth year. I'd heard of about half of them. 2 of them are great- The Platters Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Buddy Holly- It Doesn't Matter Any More. Someone who could actually play and sing performing the Buddy Holly song would be fine as for the rest? No, I've no desire to hear Cliff Richard, Russ Conway or Only 16.

I wouldn't be embarrassed for myself - I'd be embarrassed for the OP and puzzled why she thinks this dreadful song would mean anything to me.

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 27/01/2025 08:55

TheEnterainer · 27/01/2025 08:42

By the way - what I really love about Cinderella Rockafella is the plonky piano bit at the very end !!

So you like it. Do you have any idea if he does?

phoenixrosehere · 27/01/2025 09:00

he’s still a young lad and might be a bit shy and self conscious when it comes ti things like showy displays

So why do this????

This is a bit like givers knowingly buying gifts they enjoy but not what the receiver actually would like/want.

Original poster
TheEnterainer · 27/01/2025 09:04

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 27/01/2025 08:54

I'm old enough to remember when it came out. The song was one of those dreadful novelty songs which for some inexplicable reason sells really well. Goodness only knows why and who bought it- no-one will ever admit to having bought it. It was rubbish then and it hasn't improved.

I had to look up the no. 1 songs in my birth year. I'd heard of about half of them. 2 of them are great- The Platters Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Buddy Holly- It Doesn't Matter Any More. Someone who could actually play and sing performing the Buddy Holly song would be fine as for the rest? No, I've no desire to hear Cliff Richard, Russ Conway or Only 16.

I wouldn't be embarrassed for myself - I'd be embarrassed for the OP and puzzled why she thinks this dreadful song would mean anything to me.

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I love Cinderella Rockafella!

But I tell you the song from this exact era I absolutely hate is Bonny and Clyde - that was number 1 for a week in January 1968 I think so I think he should thank his lucky stars he escaped that one!

OP posts:
IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 27/01/2025 09:10

TheEnterainer · 27/01/2025 09:04

I love Cinderella Rockafella!

But I tell you the song from this exact era I absolutely hate is Bonny and Clyde - that was number 1 for a week in January 1968 I think so I think he should thank his lucky stars he escaped that one!

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It's not your birthday. It is irrelevant that you like it.

thinktwice36 · 27/01/2025 09:11

You know the recipient is not a fan of this showy stuff, you said so yourself in the OP.

why are you persisting with this cringe fest if not to make it all about you?

Indiagrace94 · 27/01/2025 09:17

TheEnterainer · 27/01/2025 08:40

Ok let’s be honest …

it’s like something Pete and Dawn would do in Gavin and Stacey

i had to google Dawn’s name - was going to say Pete and thingy!!

But yes - this is SO ‘Pete and Dawn’ from Gavin and Stacey !!! 🙌

Show quote history

Dawn wouldn’t be seen dead doing something like this!

thinktwice36 · 27/01/2025 09:20

this is SO ‘Pete and Dawn’ from Gavin and Stacey !!! 🙌

no, it really isn’t. It’s just awful attention grabbing.

SnoopysHoose · 27/01/2025 10:12

he’s still a young lad and might be a bit shy and self conscious when it comes ti things like showy displays
firstly; why are you insistent on describing a 56 year old man like this and as a teenager? it's very very odd.
secondly; he's shy
You seem to lack awareness of anything other than your wants and demented ideas.

SnoopysHoose · 27/01/2025 10:12

@phoenixrosehere
He's 56!!

Cynic17 · 27/01/2025 10:14

This is so cringe, I can't tell you! I would just have to walk out if this happened to me. He's obviously a mature man - please don't embarass him!

SnoopysHoose · 27/01/2025 10:14

For those suggesting a sing from his teens; Dead or Alive You spin me right round was his no1 at 18.
Now that would be an interesting dance!!!

Original poster
TheEnterainer · 27/01/2025 10:15

SnoopysHoose · 27/01/2025 10:12

he’s still a young lad and might be a bit shy and self conscious when it comes ti things like showy displays
firstly; why are you insistent on describing a 56 year old man like this and as a teenager? it's very very odd.
secondly; he's shy
You seem to lack awareness of anything other than your wants and demented ideas.

Ah I still think of him as youthful ❤️

He’s not really shy actually- he’s one of these jovial types

OP posts:
Cynic17 · 27/01/2025 10:17

OP, it's not about whether people like the song or not! The cringe part is the thought of anyone performing for me on my birthday (or any other time). My toes are curling now, just thinking about it.

Knockgour · 27/01/2025 10:26

TheEnterainer · 27/01/2025 10:15

Ah I still think of him as youthful ❤️

He’s not really shy actually- he’s one of these jovial types

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So why did you say he was 'shy and self-conscious' in your OP? Make up your mind! Or have you invented him and his birthday purely because you want an excuse to put on a show at your social club. so his personality keeps fluctuating?

chakrakkhan · 27/01/2025 10:29

What a weird thing to do.

Cattery · 27/01/2025 10:32

If this isn’t some sort of joke thread it’s possibly the most cringe-inducing idea I’ve read on MN or anywhere else ever. What’s the matter with you?

NooNakedJacuzziness · 27/01/2025 10:37

You've been very gracious in your responses OP, despite the bashing.

Well done for taking it on the chinny chin chin (sorry, couldn't resist!)

phoenixrosehere · 27/01/2025 12:49

SnoopysHoose · 27/01/2025 10:12

@phoenixrosehere
He's 56!!

I know. I read OP’s posts.

Still doesn’t change my post.

Why do it? Now OP says he’s not shy and quite jovial which still doesn’t mean he would like/want what OP wants to do.

If they are such good, close friends, OP would know whether or not to do this without needing to ask random strangers if it was ok. We don’t know him.