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Song Parodies -> "Whatever Became of (Thomas) Lehrer?"
Original Song Title:
"Whatever Became of Hubert (Humphrey)?"
Original Performer:
Tom Lehrer
Parody Song Title:
"Whatever Became of (Thomas) Lehrer?"
Parody Written by:
Barry J. Mitchel
The Lyrics
A former Senator's loss of influence as Vice President was lamented in TOS for the TV show TW3. Ironically, that song now applies to the author, who lives reclusively at homes in Santa Cruz CA and Cambridge MA, after turning 85 in the same month in which the Boston Marathon was attacked.
Whatever became of Lehrer?
Has anyone heard him sing?
Once his shows always shone,
Now his wits roam alone.
He hates for his phone to ring.
Once a wily satirical spirit,
Ah, but now when he tweaks, we can't hear it.
Reckon middling's his bard's heart right now,
When they won't even give him a bow.
"We must protest retreat-bent Lehrer,"
Beseech amIright readers.
A bombed run once that's marked through terror
Makes us humor needers.
(Worry about that)
Whatever became of you, Tom?
We miss you, so tell us guys:
Are you glad at your loss?
Are you blathering dross
While your late glory ossifies?
Tom Lehrer, recalling when you were on key,
Say, "I'll do ere I'm through like I did on TV."
Do you dream about staging revue?
Thomas, what happened to you?
Has anyone heard him sing?
Once his shows always shone,
Now his wits roam alone.
He hates for his phone to ring.
Once a wily satirical spirit,
Ah, but now when he tweaks, we can't hear it.
Reckon middling's his bard's heart right now,
When they won't even give him a bow.
"We must protest retreat-bent Lehrer,"
Beseech amIright readers.
A bombed run once that's marked through terror
Makes us humor needers.
(Worry about that)
Whatever became of you, Tom?
We miss you, so tell us guys:
Are you glad at your loss?
Are you blathering dross
While your late glory ossifies?
Tom Lehrer, recalling when you were on key,
Say, "I'll do ere I'm through like I did on TV."
Do you dream about staging revue?
Thomas, what happened to you?
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User Comments
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Is he still alive??? I have two of his albums and taped more of his songs off Dr. Demento. My favorite is Vatican Rag.
Ah, yes. Those were the days that were. Alas, poor Tom, I remember him well. A man of infinite jest. As far as I know, there's nobody alive now who can touch him. Except perhaps you, Barry -- do you sing?
@ 2Eagle: 85th birthday in April; he avoids publicity, so I read in American Spectator mag.
@ DM: I sing in a church choir & men's quartet; I blend well, no soloing.
@ DM: I sing in a church choir & men's quartet; I blend well, no soloing.
I wasn't introduced to Tom until the late 70s, when he'd already ceased production, I believe (if only Dylan had known when to cash in his chips too). Great job and I'm glad people like you are keeping his torch burning.
@ Dana: 'Nobody alive who can touch him'? Eric Idle, Tim Minchin, to name two. Most of Monty Python's best songs are Idle's lyrics (the Galaxy Song, the Philosophers' Drinking Song, Every Sperm is Sacred, the Bright Side of Life, Spamalot, and the Rutles), to name a few. Australian-born Minchin is an anti-religious activist and not for all tastes (what parodist is?) but an amazing writer and musical performer of his own work.
Just as John Barry is not the only master parodist here - look around: he has several less-prolific equals, but only a few are still active here. (I'm sure he agrees.)
@ Dana: 'Nobody alive who can touch him'? Eric Idle, Tim Minchin, to name two. Most of Monty Python's best songs are Idle's lyrics (the Galaxy Song, the Philosophers' Drinking Song, Every Sperm is Sacred, the Bright Side of Life, Spamalot, and the Rutles), to name a few. Australian-born Minchin is an anti-religious activist and not for all tastes (what parodist is?) but an amazing writer and musical performer of his own work.
Just as John Barry is not the only master parodist here - look around: he has several less-prolific equals, but only a few are still active here. (I'm sure he agrees.)
Speaking of other AIR-masters, you might like to check out this brilliant take on Lehrer's 'Elements' song by the sadly reticent Giorgio Coniglio.
http://www.amiright.com/parody/70s/tomlehrer1.shtml
http://www.amiright.com/parody/70s/tomlehrer1.shtml
Oh, I beg your pardon, Barry - you already had. Shoulda known (facepalm). Still, a plug for others to sample does no harm.
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