Expert: Bong Santos - 10/19/2006

Question
I am trying to find the name of a r&b band and song that I use to have on cassette during basic training in 1983. It was a band similar to Delbarge and had a love song about or following a police or policeman, something like using a policeman to find your love. I cannot remember much but always wanted to hear this song again any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Dear Lon,

The first song that comes to mind is INSPECTOR MILLS by AMERICA from their 1982 album VIEW FROM THE GROUND. It was a big Adult Contemporary hit back in 1983 for the duo of GERRY BECKLEY and DEWEY BUNNELL. Here's its lyrics:

INSPECTOR MILLS / AMERICA

Inspector mills Id like to tell you bout a girl I saw
At a party just the other night in beverly hills
Inspector mills I hope you find her and it dont take long
Watch my feelings for her growing strong in a war of wills
Inspector mills

I cant attempt to point you in her direction
I didnt see her walking out of the door
If I had taken my time shed be standing here still
Inspector mills

I recall once in my life I felt this way before
But I let her go and closed the door, walk away
Inspector mills I cant attempt to show the hurt in me
And just how much I need the company; search the valleys and the hills
You gotta find her mr. mills

I cant attempt to point you in her direction
I was blinded by the look in her eyes
If I had taken my time shed be sitting here still
Inspector mills

Oo, someday soon I might be in love with her

Inspector mills I guess youve taken quite a look around
Guess Ive heard the word from underground, shes gone for good
Inspector mills is it any crime for a fool like me
Try to use your time cause I wanna see; you just send me the bill
Inspector mills, inspector mills

I cant attempt to point you in her direction
I didnt see her walking out of the door
If I had taken my time shed be lying here still
Inspector mills, inspector

I cant attempt to point you in her direction
I was blinded by the look in her eyes
If I had just followed through then I wouldnt be calling you.

Maraming salamat po!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines