Viktor, the Estonian team sponsor, always took his rightful position up front with me. The remaining 13 seats in our 15-passenger van were filled by seven players, all under the age of 20. The trailing van – driven by Allan (head coach) – carried Villu (co-sponsor), Harri (assistant coach) and the three older players. I’m reasonably certain this was the more relaxed group.
Back-seat banter in the lead van was a constant part of the journey from one college town to the next. So, too, was music. Occasionally the driver would relent and play whatever was passed forward from one of the young ladies (Metallica was a favorite). However, to aid safety and preserve sanity, music was often “driver’s choice”.
Mindful of this tour’s majority gender, I brought artists they might appreciate. Alanis Morrissette was very popular at the time. I also brought lesser-knowns such as Fiona Apple, Patti Rothberg, Heather Nova and Syd Straw. The latter had a quirky song called “Black Squirrel” which was a sing-along hit in the back rows.
Up-front, the surprise favorite turned out to be Simon & Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits. It was not just easy-on-the-ears, it also turned out to be enlightening.
This duo is well-known for their melodic arrangements, evocative lyrics and wonderful harmonies. But, I’m almost embarrassed to admit I didn’t fully comprehend their fame until the third track opened with a simple guitar riff followed by the words, “I am just a poor boy, though my story’s seldom told. . .”
To my amazement, Viki quickly joined in with Art and Paul on those first few lines leaving me to wonder how it was he knew this song. After all, he came from a time and place where Western culture was explicitly prohibited. In retrospect, it’s fair to say my understanding of the Iron Curtain’s efficacy was simplistic to say the least.
It turns out Estonia’s geographic location, while historically hazardous for the locals, was advantageous to the extent Finnish broadcast signals were easily (and eagerly) intercepted. Helsinki, only 50 miles across the Gulf of Finland from Tallinn, made this possible. So, of all the Soviet Republics, it was Estonia that likely enjoyed the best access to Western influences. Throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, this proved formative for young people like Viki who chafed at Soviet oppression.
Viki’s appreciation of Simon & Garfunkel and his particular fondness of “The Boxer” solidified a fast friendship. He knows the first line very well. The rest fades into whatever he wants it to be. But we both sing the “. . . lie, la, lie. . .” refrain with gusto!
This impromptu performance among friends is often followed by the raising of small glasses and a nod to our health – Terviseks! A tradition that stands to this day.
