carry a tune

“We’d get together and sing. My mother pushed the arts. I watched opera at Hollywood Bowl at age 12. I like music, and I can carry a tune, but I don’t play any instruments.”

Then, one of the music people asked me if I could carry a tune.

Musical talent evaded them their whole life — their stepdad once told them they couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket — and yet, they beat on like a boat against the current.

Although I had played the role of Winthrop in “The Music Man” I told George, “If you need me to sing, I’m not your guy because I can’t carry a tune.”

Because I can’t carry a tune in a lunch box.