Heart surgery

Nearly a year ago, I floated the theory that the spiraling cost of health care in the U.S. is perhaps the reason Americans in pop songs no longer go to the doctor when they're in love.

The other evening, I was listening to 98.9 Liberty--and finally heard a commercial, for the Mötley Crüe gig, no less--and was grooving to Sinéad O'Connor's version of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U." In it, the narrator, distraught by a breakup, seeks medical attention.

I went to the doctor n'guess what he told me
Guess what he told me
He said girl u better try to have fun
No matter what you'll do
But he's a fool

This seems a plausibly American experience. It sounds like she was asking for MAOI inhibitors, and the doctor told her to try exercise first.

Tomorrow: Why Rod Stewart isn't crap, and other topics you can really dig into only when your wife's away.