“All through the morning rain
I gaze—the sun doesn’t shine—
Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind

In the garden—I see west
Purple shower, bells and tea
Orange birds and river cousins dressed in green

Pretty music I hear—so happy
And loud—blue flower echo
From a cherry cloud

Feel sunshine sparkle pink and blue
Playgrounds will laugh if you try to ask
Is it cool? Is it cool?”

—Strawberry Letter 23, most famously recorded by The Brothers Johson in 1977. Written by Johnny Otis, Jr. at the age of 17 and recorded by him in 1971. According to someone on the internet: “Otis wrote it for his girlfriend, who liked to send him letters written on strawberry scented paper. The song describes the feelings evoked by “Strawberry Letter 22,” the title indicating the hope of another letter.”