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Song Parodies -> "I Dunno"

Original Song Title:

"The Raven"

Original Performer:

Edgar Allan Poe

Parody Song Title:

"I Dunno"

Parody Written by:

Rick Duncan

The Lyrics

This was written 17 years ago when my son was a toddler. "I Dunno" was one of the first things he learned to say. Based on a true story. His name is Daniel, but we called him "Bink" when he was small.
Once upon a weeknight, weary, I came home with eyes all bleary
From many smoggy workdays I had labored at the store
As I entered, swiftly tripping, I grabbed my shirt and heard it ripping
As my feet went slipping, slipping on the toy-strewn floor
'Tis some child-thing I muttered, tripping me upon the floor
Only Bink, and nothing more

Ow, distinctly I remembered it was in the bleak December
When my mind thought to dismember the small child I forbore
Eagerly, I sought his hiney, knowing well he'd soon be whiney
For the pain was not so tiny on my elbow that was sore
Yes, 'twas hurting like the dickens on my elbow that was sore
Couldn't stand it anymore

While my nerves were thusly fraying, there I found him calmly playing
He was practicing his pitching with an overhanded throw
Then I grabbed him by the shoulder, as my tell-tale heart grew colder
And my voice grew louder, bolder, asking him what did he know
"Did you cause your Dad to trip, Bink, making him hurt his elbow?"
Quoth the Danny; "I dunno"

Then I thought, I phrased it badly, in my anger I had madly
Quite forgotten that this child did not understand "elbow"
So I said, "I'll say it your way, did these toys strewn tot he doorway
Get there from you little foray int tossing things too low?
Giving Daddy a few stitches that some doctor must now sew?"
Quoth the Danny; "I dunno"

I grew more and more frustrated, thought my words enunciated
I said "Someday you'll grow up and read some Edgar Allen Poe.
But I'm gonna make it clear now, so you listen up and hear now
For I'll have to have a beer now for the pain that does now grow.
One last time, is this wound I now possess something that to you I owe?"
Quoth the Danny; I dunno"

I gave up, right then defeated, as this little boy repeated
Those cute words, I could not beat him like I wanted to before
When his Mom heard of his sinning, I could see her giggling, grinning
And I knew I'd not be winning any sympathetic score
Then she asked me If I'd ever let another baby through our door

Quoth the Daddy; "NEVERMORE!!!"

P.S. Poe, Poe, Pitiful me!

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Original Song: 
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Voting Results

 
Pacing: 3.9
How Funny: 4.3
Overall Rating: 4.4

Total Votes: 14

Voting Breakdown

The following represent how many people voted for each category.

    Pacing How Funny Overall Rating
 1   2
 1
 1
 
 2   1
 1
 1
 
 3   1
 1
 0
 
 4   3
 1
 2
 
 5   7
 10
 10
 

User Comments

Comments are subject to review, and can be removed by the administration of the site at any time and for any reason.

Phil Alexander - December 22, 2003 - Report this comment
Simply wonderful, Rick - I assume you've come across the "Abort, Retry, Ignore" parody to this one?
Rick D - December 22, 2003 - Report this comment
No, But I'll look it up.
Guy - December 22, 2003 - Report this comment
Do these lyrics have some music, and if so then what's the score?
It's confusing as I'm musing should I vote this five or four?
Quote this reader, I dunno.

This is different RIck. Nice work.
Phil Alexander - December 22, 2003 - Report this comment
Rick - it's loads of places: try here - http://www.mbenton.com/humor/poe.htm

Guy, no there's no music - it's the reason that the Discworld raven is called "Quoth", and won't say the "N" word ;-)
Rick D - December 22, 2003 - Report this comment
I saw it. I screwed up the links today, Phil. Go to Mari's song "Daniel" and click the link there. Then click on Amiright Tribute. You won't be sorry.
Phil Alexander - December 22, 2003 - Report this comment
:-D Nice one, R&M
Claude Prez - December 22, 2003 - Report this comment
Quoth the fiver--neverfour
Stray Pooch - December 22, 2003 - Report this comment
Oh the puns, puns, puns, puns, puns, puns, puns! The moaning and the groaning for the puns!
Leah Lockhart - December 22, 2003 - Report this comment
Very cute! Have no kids of my own, but babysat enough times that I am familiar with the drill. ;-)
John Jenkins - December 22, 2003 - Report this comment
Excellent parody of perhaps the best known poem by an American poet. I too have a son named Daniel and can relate. I have been considering a political parody of this poem substituting Albert Gore for Nevermore, but your idea and your execution are outstanding. I considered lowering your score because of the typos in verse 4, but your pacing, rhyming and humor more than make up for that.
Johnny D - December 22, 2003 - Report this comment
Rick, you rock, alwaysmore. 555
Meriadoc - December 23, 2003 - Report this comment
Rick, this was wonderful! I bet you start a poetry parody trend! :-)
Michael Pacholek - December 23, 2003 - Report this comment
The thousand songs of Higgins I had borne as best I could, but when Duncan ventured upon pun, I vowed laughter.
Diva - December 30, 2003 - Report this comment
It's all poetry ...after all. Great work!
Spaff.com - December 30, 2003 - Report this comment
"As my tell-tale heart grew colder." Poe-etry!
Maria - January 22, 2004 - Report this comment
This was not easy to realate because I have no children of my own.
Jake A Ralphing (Luke Brattoni) - February 27, 2005 - Report this comment
Glorious parody, Spaff! Obviously the devious genius comes from your side of the gene pool.
Rick D - February 27, 2005 - Report this comment
On behalf of Spaff, I thank you.
Spaff.com - February 27, 2005 - Report this comment
Too kind, Ralphing Luke. But I really must give props to Rick Duncan, without whom this parody would not have been possible.
2Eagle - April 13, 2008 - Report this comment
Oh, if Poe only knew what it is like to be a parent.

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