[Warning, for music geeks only]
Setting: Deep in the African jungle, mid-1800’s. Dr. Livingstone and his trusty local guide, M’Benga, hike through the dense growth. Sound of drums in the distance.
Livingstone, afternoon on Day 1: I say, we’ve been hiking all day and the drums simply won’t stop. What is their significance?
M’Benga: My friend, trust me, you do not want the drums to stop.
[Fast forward: 3am, Livingstone pokes his head out of the tent, drums ongoing.]
Livingstone: M’Benga, what could be so all-fired important about those drums? They won’t stop and I haven’t slept a wink.
M’Benga, wearily: My dearest doctor, you do not want the drums to stop. Bad things happen when the drums stop.
[High noon, Day 2, African sun blazing, drums continue.]
Livingstone: I tell you, with this heat and those confounded drums, I don’t know how much more I can take.
M’Benga, calmly: For our own sake, we do not wish the drums to stop. We will be very sorry if the drums stop.
Livingstone: But why?
M’Benga: It is too horrible to mention. You could not handle it.
[6am, Day 3, dawn breaks. Drums relentless.]
Livingstone: Seriously, I am not sure that our cultures can ever get along if those incessant drums are part of the deal. I am ready to get on the boat back to England.
M’Benga: As I have said, very frightening things will happen if the drums stop. You will need to trust me, it is for the best that they continue.
Livingstone: But what can be worse than this relentless pounding? You must tell why they won’t stop.
M’Benga: Alright, I will tell you, but do not say you weren’t warned. What happens after the drums stop? Bass solo.
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