So you're thinking, "Timbuk 3, weren't they the ones who had that cool song back in the 80s...?" Yes, yes, we're talking about that husband and wife tandem of Pat and Barbara K. McDonald who gave the world the grin inducing "The Future's So Bright (I Gotta Wear Shades)" back in 1986. Maybe it's because I was living in their town, Austin TX, at the time, but it never did compute to me why they failed to strike gold again. For a one hit wonder, they sure had a mother lode of catchy, witty, hummable and even danceable songs that could have become anthems all by themselves.

One of those hidden jewels of radio ready sardonic wit was a ditty poking fun at how we Americans mark special days and although the lyrics stayed ambiguous enough to cover most any summer-themed holiday, it sounds a lot like they're talking about the Fourth Of July. Such was the theme for 1989's "National Holiday."

Starting out with a few opening notes dubbed in from a marching band, the proceedings quickly shifts to a funky strummed acoustic guitar and Pat's familiar folkie harmonica and light accompaniment. The song, like most of Timbuk 3's late 80s offerings, find them at their best in making keen observations and plainly spinning them into sharp imagery:

"They put the chairs out on the lawn
Grandma's got her new dress on
There's fresh flowers on Grandpa's grave
And Junior smells of aftershave

Oh boy, hey hey, it's a national holiday

Everything's ready for the big parade
The mayor's got his place in the shade
We can't wait 'till the sun goes down
Lie on the hill at the edge of town
By the presidential proclamation
Is blasting out across the nation
And Mad Dog and his band of jerks
Are lighting off the fireworks

Oh boy, hey hey, it's a national holiday,
it's a national holiday"

The lyrics gradually turn more toward political issues ("communicate with the Communists/pacify the pacifists"), but the biting, clever commentary on social and global issues were the McDonalds' stock in trade. Put all that into a folksie-funky package and like "Shades," it's every bit as singable and irresistible. It's been about five or six years since I last heard this song and I still couldn't forget how it goes. That's pop craftsmanship, folks.

And while there might be more obvious songs to play on this Independence Day, none of those patriotically themed tunes will lighten me up and make me feel groovy like this song will. Oh boy, hey hey, Fourth of July with Pat and Barbara K.

Listen: Timbuk 3 - "National Holiday"

"One Track Mind" is a more-or-less weekly drool over a single song selected on a whim and a short thesis on why you should be drooling over it, too.