What we say to dogs/ what dogs hear

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sluggerotoole/153603564/

Thus goes the old Far Side cartoon. Thus goes communication among persons of goodwill engaged in pastoral collaboration.

With a little imagination one can hear the subtext.

What the music director says: We're going to sing the proper gradual at the solemn Mass next Sunday.
What the pastor hears: Some kind of cocamayme reactionary nonsense that's going to drive parishioners nuts.
What the pastor says: I'd really rather you'd sing the Respond and Acclaim...
What the pastor tactfully doesn't say: ...that we paid like $1000 for in October
What the music director hears: I would like you to give God about 40% less glory than He deserves and I really don't care how much work went into this.
What the music director thinks: Such a Philistine...
What the music director says: According to the GIRM, paragraph 61, the Psalm from the Roman Gradual is a valid option for dioceses in the United States.
What the pastor thinks: Oh, brother.
What the pastor says: I'm really going to have to insist that we sing the Responsorial Psalm of the day, in English.
What the music director says: Fine! Whatever!

Win-win!