In the course of an “Oslo journal” — a journal from the Oslo Freedom Forum — I have discussed many issues. (Part III of this journal appears today.) Some of these are life-and-death issues. The world’s dictatorships, they don’t play beanbag. But you know what readers want to talk about, judging from their mail? Music. Fine with me. And specifically — they want to talk about “Love Me Tender.”

I thought I heard church bells playing this song, which was unusual. Turned out it was the bells of City Hall — still kind of unusual. Several readers have written to say, “Hey, don’t forget that ‘Love Me Tender’ was first a Civil War ballad, ‘Aura Lee.’” One reader believes the song was turned into a hymn, somewhere along the way. That, I don’t know.

But I’ll tell you what I know now — this is kind of funny. On the recent National Review cruise, there were some birthdays celebrated. A cake with sparklers would be taken to a table; an accordionist would play “Happy Birthday,” and a chorus of waiters would sing.

One evening, one of these cakes was taken to a table — a table at some distance from me. And the music was “O sole mio.” I thought this was a little weird. But it’s such a wonderful song — about the sun upon your face and all.

After dinner, Ed Capano, our erstwhile publisher, said, “How did you enjoy that performance?” He had been at the table in question. I said, “Great, but why ‘O sole mio’?” He smiled. And then he explained: A couple was celebrating their anniversary. The accordionist was playing, and the waiters were singing, “It’s Now or Never” — a song made from the tune of “O sole mio.”

Like “Love Me Tender,” this was an Elvis Presley hit. I guess I’m the last to know. No one ever tells me anything.