"Will I Be Pretty, Will I Be Rich...?"

I have some people in my life, important players who I love, that are very free in giving me advice. A phrase that makes my heart sink & my stomach turn is- “Stephen, you know you really should…”  As an actor, I am good at taking direction. I am a total goody-2-shoes at my job, but other than that, I really hate being told what to do. This is a personality flaw that was cemented by the time I was 4 years old, putting me at odds with teachers, principals, guidance counselors, bosses, friends, buddies, lovers & a Husband.


That being said, I am not too proud to ask for help, but mostly I look to the popular song for advice. My favorite advice song of all time is Que Sera, Sera. As a young child, I would play the Doris Day (the most underrated of vocalists) version on my parents Hi-Fi & sing & dance to this classic without changing the gender specific lyrics. Why was it no surprise when I came out 20 years later? Here is my list of the top 20 other favorite advice songs:

. Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be) - Doris Day
. You Can't Hurry Love - the Supremes
. Don't Sleep In The Subway - Petula Clark
. Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) - Baz Lurhman
. Whistle While You Work - the Seven Dwarfs
. Don't Eat The Yellow Snow - Frank Zappa
. Don't Talk To Strangers - Rick Springfield
. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free - Sting
. You Always Hurt The One You Love - Mills Brothers
. All You Need Is Love - the Beatles
. Pick Up The Pieces - AWB (Average White Band)
. What The World Needs Now Is Love - Jackie DeShannom
. You Should Be Dancing - Bee Gees
. Let's Go Crazy - Prince
. Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac
. Gotta Serve Somebody - Bob Dylan
. Let My Love Open The Door - Pete Townsend
. Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind? - The Lovin' Spoonful
. Don't Take Your Guns To Town - Johnny Cash
. Express Yourself - Madonna
. Take A Fool's Advice - Nat King Cole

Would you care to add to the list?