#617 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Saturday March 25)
Good morning,
MUSIC
Today, some creative novelty songs… After sending around some Alan Sherman, Tom Lehrer and Monty Python songs a month ago, Russ Chittenden agreed with the quality of the choices. Who knew when we were in college together that we both loved the same twisted lyrics on famous songs. He suggests a few others (in certain instances I’ve also provided renditions of the originals):
"Won't You Come Home, Disraeli,” to the tune of “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey":
And here is Ella Fitzgerald, with a version of the original: Ella sings Bill Bailey
"Harvey and Sheila,” to the tune of “Hava Nagila”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWdjds9iwcA
"Oh Boy," to the tune of “Chiapanecas” (with references of the era—and the only known juxtaposition in history of Sophia Loren and Chief Justice Warren or Igor Stravinsky and Bo Belinski): Allan Sherman "Oh Boy"
Then this classic from Tom Lehrer, “Wernher von Braun,” which Russ contends is Lehrer’s greatest (and a wonderful political commentary to boot): Lehrer Wernher von Braun
Meanwhile, for a special rendition of Jewish musical humor, “Would You Believe It,” making fun of how Jews will often try to claim a Jewish connection with every important person:
POETRY
Sea Fever
By John Masefield
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.
Have a great weekend,
Glenn
From the archives: