Papa-paparazzi

I've always dreamed of being a rock star, so when I landed the opportunity to hang out with Crash and Mars for 11 days, I figured my time had finally come. I mean, Crash's debut CD, Under my Covers, has produced such amazing hits as Bonus with Hay.

But my talents are limited. I can't sing, not even back-up. I'm a terrible whistler. And although I once could play an entire song on the recorder, I have no formal training as a musician.

Which pretty much leaves writing lyrics.

Until last night, I haven't been inspired. But as we launched into the second week of 102.3 Now Radio's Living with Crash and Mars challenge (and it IS a challenge), I found myself dodging Blackberry and iPhone flashes as dozens (maybe HUNDREDS) of people chased me in hopes of a snapshot of my new BFFs. (Apologies to last week's BFFs but when you spend every. waking. minute with two people, you tend to share...a lot.)

As I whirled around pillars, hid behind cars, and ducked under park benches branded with the NOW Radio signage, I composed a little song I think Crash should add to the Under my Covers set list. I like to call it Papa-Paparazzi.

* clears throat *

(Sung to the tune of that Lady Gaga song, Paparazzi...)

Here comes the crowd

They’re all coming out

Got their flash on it's true

Need that picture of you

Radio star Crash is magical

And Mars is so fantastic, oh

Crash’s plaid shirt and jeans

Mars looking so glamorous

Not sure what it means

But this photo of us

It does have a price

Get ready for those flashing lights

'Cause, NOW you know that

They’re your biggest fans

They’ll follow you until you love them

Papa-Paparazzi

Crash and Mars are stars

You know that they’ll be your-

Papa-Paparazzi

Promise I'll be fun

But they won't stop until that $100 bucks is won

Maybe NOW you'll be famous

They’ll chase you down until you love them

Papa-Paparazzi

They’ll be your girls backstage in your garage

Under my Covers can only get you so far

Yeah cause you're their rockstars on the radio

Living with you both is fantastic, oh

Crash and Mars are stars

You know that they’ll be your

Papa-Paparazzi

Real good, you’re dancing in the studio

Snap-snap, to those hits on NOW radio

Don't stop, for anyone

You’re cardboard but you STILL HAVE FUN

They’re your biggest fans

They’ll follow you until you love them

Papa-Paparazzi

Crash and Mars are stars

You know that they’ll be your

Papa-Paparazzi

I sincerely hope that song sticks with you ALL day...

- Dawn

Hey young writers! Want to learn how to write lyrics WAY better than these ones? Why not check out WordsWorth, the camp for young writers who believe in the power of words. Check out the line-up for this summer's sessions (week 2) for ages 15-19. (Including Brendan McLeod from the FUGITIVES!) Not 15? Our first camp is geared to young writers 11-14. Find out more at the Young Alberta Book Society website.