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Song Parodies -> "What Becomes of What Polk Has Started"
Original Song Title:
"What Becomes of the Broken-Hearted"
(MP3)Original Performer:
Jimmy Ruffin
Parody Song Title:
"What Becomes of What Polk Has Started"
Parody Written by:
Michael Pacholek
The Lyrics
I tried "I Voted for Polk" to the Bee Gees' "I Started a Joke," but it was dreadful. "The Polker" to Steve Miller's "The Joker" was also a bomb. Then I thought of this Motown classic. This parody points out that the U.S.-Mexican War of 1846-47, like Gulf War II, began under dubious circumstances, led by a President whose lust for war would not be denied. As for the lines near the end that seem to denigrate Mexicans, the opinions of this song's narrator are not necessarily those of its author.
In this Texas land of gold and dreams
I had visions of many things.
But Mexico did make an intrusion.
Or did they? Man, such confusion.
What becomes of what Polk has started?
Our troops have now departed.
I think he's gone to find
new States of slaving mind.
Has he?
The roots of war grow all around.
Both sides' soldiers come tumbling down.
Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor
lead our soldiers and our sailors.
They march in desert, under hot light.
Sweating so hard for this Southern fight.
Santa Anna had better beware:
Our troops are coming, he's going nowhere!
What becomes of what Polk has started?
Our troops have now departed.
I think he's gone to find
new States of slaving mind.
Help me, please...
It looks like Polk sure did succeed.
But over our border, immigrants speed.
Now there's millions so undocumented.
Makes California even more demented!
What becomes of what Polk has started?
More illegals have now departed.
They retake Texas land.
Low-wage jobs got in hand.
Guards are searching everywhere.
Illegals are just not fair.
They'll be looking every day
but Mexicans still come our way.
How ya like your war, Polk, now?
Was it worth it, anyhow?
I had visions of many things.
But Mexico did make an intrusion.
Or did they? Man, such confusion.
What becomes of what Polk has started?
Our troops have now departed.
I think he's gone to find
new States of slaving mind.
Has he?
The roots of war grow all around.
Both sides' soldiers come tumbling down.
Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor
lead our soldiers and our sailors.
They march in desert, under hot light.
Sweating so hard for this Southern fight.
Santa Anna had better beware:
Our troops are coming, he's going nowhere!
What becomes of what Polk has started?
Our troops have now departed.
I think he's gone to find
new States of slaving mind.
Help me, please...
It looks like Polk sure did succeed.
But over our border, immigrants speed.
Now there's millions so undocumented.
Makes California even more demented!
What becomes of what Polk has started?
More illegals have now departed.
They retake Texas land.
Low-wage jobs got in hand.
Guards are searching everywhere.
Illegals are just not fair.
They'll be looking every day
but Mexicans still come our way.
How ya like your war, Polk, now?
Was it worth it, anyhow?
The U.S.-Mexican War also led to the rise of several men who would become "stars" of the American Civil War, including Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, William T. Sherman and others. And a young Congressman from Illinois was defeated for re-election because he said the war was immoral. His name was Abraham Lincoln. Like the others, he would be back.
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Voting Results
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Voting Breakdown
The following represent how many people voted for each category.
| Pacing | How Funny | Overall Rating | |||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 5 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
User Comments
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A good parody that is remarkably relevant even today....
This Presidential theme you've got going is a clever way to keep the creative juices flowing, Michael. And this one ain't no lemon.
Great choice of song, great history-re[eats-itself message...I'd say your Presidential Project ought to be done as a concept-album recording. 5's all round!
dead on pacing....great concept...and a history lesson to boot...5s
I totally love the original...which made learning about Pres. Polk way more fun! =) 5s, Michael!
Well done, Michael. Good link between past and present. The line about demented Californians is appropriate, which is why we will probably give all 55 of our electoral votes to John Kerry.
Yep, what everyone else has said.
another superb addition to your fabulous collection.. I love these!
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