My favourite use of parentheses in rock – because it’s the sexiest ever ice-breaker at social gatherings to have a favourite use of parentheses in rock – is (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) by The Stranglers. I particularly like the way the parentheses get a grip on the word ‘Grip’. It takes my enjoyment of the song to a whole new metaphorical and intellectual level and instantly sets me apart from Donald Trump.
What’s the difference between Hepcats and Squares? Only Squares use [].
You can have that [one].
I don’t want to overstate the importance of parentheses in rock but take it as read that you can flirt like mad with your wife’s/husband’s work colleagues without anyone thinking it untoward or too familiar if you squeeze a Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) or a Bang A Gong (Get It On) – the latter as part of a crowd-pleasing Leslie Phillips impersonation – into the more lascivious topics of your conversation such as the amount of money you’ve saved on your weekly shop by switching to Aldi or whether or not to buy holiday Euros now or at the last minute given the Greek situation.
