Roz McCall MSP: 'If you want a range of emotions, listen to The Muppets'

What was the first record you ever bought?

I can’t remember what the first record was, but I remember really loving a 1970s compilation album when I was about six years old. It had two tracks on it that I played to death, Crocodile Rock by Elton John and Bad Bad Boy by Nazareth.

What record will always get you on the dance floor?

Mamma Mia by ABBA. I have every single one of their albums.

Do you have a karaoke song?

I Surrender by Rainbow. Rainbow was a phenomenal band, and I Surrender and All Night Long are just in my key, so I don’t make a total tit of myself.

What song do you want played at your funeral?

I’d like to have It’s a Wonderful World. It’s a fantastic song and at the end of the day, I don’t want everybody to be all upset. I think I’m living a pretty good life, so I’d like people to go out thinking “she’s gone, but it’s a wonderful world”.

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What song is guaranteed to make you cry?

One hundred per cent of the time, it never fails – Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) by Billy Joel. It was written by him to his daughter who wouldn’t go to bed. It just reminds me of my dad and I. If you want me to start blubbing in the middle of the chamber, stick that on.

What music do you associate with your childhood?

Up to 10 years old, it would have been ABBA, The Osmonds or any disco music. But when I sort of got a little bit older…I would say Rainbow or Bon Jovi. Something a little bit rockier with a heavier beat.

What was the first dance at your wedding?

Many people have this song played at their funeral, so I don’t know what I did. It was Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler. She’s got a phenomenal voice, and I thought it was meaningful.

Is there any song that you listen to cheer you up?

There’s one that makes me smile, and one that makes me a bit sad and they’re both sung by The Muppets. Life’s a Happy Song and Rainbow Connection which Kermit sings. If you want a range of emotions, listen to The Muppets. I’m telling you, they’re really underrated.

Is there a record that you absolutely hate but can’t get out of your head?

The Lady in Red. It was played to death when I was younger. But when I catch a snippet of that song, I cannot get it out of my mind, I’ve actually got to listen to the whole thing.

Is there a record that you would be embarrassed to owning up to having in your collection?

Shakin’ Stevens’ Green Door. It was a cover of a song and seriously, it ain’t great. I kind of liked it at the time but now, retrospectively, I really should get rid of it.

What was the last band you went to see and who with?

I went to see Squeeze with my sister and some friends.

Is there a song that you associate with your political wins?

I’m reasonably sure the lady herself will be disappointed to heck, but it’s Read All About It by Emeli Sandé. I think the lyrics highlight so much about what it is we try and do. If you’ve got a voice, you have to use it.