JENNIFER WARNES It Goes Like It Goes

The final in my trio of movie songs from 1979, features the eventual winner of the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Written by Norman Gimbel and David Shire (who also was one of the composers in another nominated song 'I'll Never Say Goodbye') 'It Goes Like It Goes' was from 'Norma Rae' which had 4 nominations; winning also for Sally Field in the Leading Actress category. Despite my beloved Jennifer Warnes being the vocalist on this track, I never felt it was the most deserving that year. With songs from 'Ice Castles', 'The Muppet Movie (the cute 'Rainbow Connection') and the non nominated 'I'm On Your Side' from Chapter 2, it seemed to me that the most acclaimed movie of the bunch - ala 'Norma Rae' had the most support, and so got swept up with that sentiment. The movie was great and deserved its Best Picture of the Year nomination too, but I was also pissed that Bette Midler ('The Rose') and Marsha Mason ('Chapter 2) lost to Sally Field. Jill Clayburgh ('Starting Over') and Jane Fonda ('The China Syndrome') were also in the category - a tough field indeed. Over time I have made peace with the fact that Sally gave an amazing performance in her winning role, but Marsha Mason, Jill Clayburgh and Bette Midler are Oscar-less whilst Field has two! Oh well, it goes like it goes as the song says. And the song is elegantly simple and heartfelt. I have adored Jennifer Warnes for more than 40 years and her vocal is as usual, just brilliant. She never overdoes it, allowing the texture of her voice to express the words and the melody. It is a shame that the Oscar only goes to the composers, as the singer makes such a contribution to a movie song's success. The category of Best Original Song used to me one of my favourites, having been a pop culture vulture since a child, but movie soundtracks became less original and less relevant - even though it is still awarded each year at the Oscars. They don't make 'em like this anymore!