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Song Parodies -> "Rational Government Week"
Original Song Title:
"National Brotherhood Week"
Original Performer:
Tom Lehrer
Parody Song Title:
"Rational Government Week"
Parody Written by:
Phil Alexander
The Lyrics
Inspired by the story about Gordon Brown offering the position of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to (Lib-Dem peer) Lord Ashdown. Now, ignoring the fact that Paddy Ashdown would probably do an excellent job in the role (which may well be Brown's main motivation for offering the job, also nobody *really* wants it), there is definitely comedy potential in the idea that politians might try putting the best people in the various offices of state - irrespective of whether they come from the right party or not.
I'm indebted to Patrick Heren for this comment on Nick Robinson's blog for the idea to write this as a parody to "National Brotherhood Week".
I'm indebted to Patrick Heren for this comment on Nick Robinson's blog for the idea to write this as a parody to "National Brotherhood Week".
Oh, the right wing hate the left wing
And the left wing hate the right wing
So political fighting
Is the way it's always bin
But during Rational Government Week,
Rational Government Week,
It's time to let the opposition in your ruling clique
It's fun to patronize
The people you despise,
As long as you don't listen once they're in
Oh, the blue side hates the red side
And the red side hates the blue side
Though there may be more than two sides
It's easier as "them" and "us"
But during Rational Government Week,
Rational Government Week,
Hear Sarcozy saying Segolène looks very chic.
So now you invite inside
Those you'd normally deride
Don't it make a great photo in the press?
Oh Republicans hate the Democrats
And the Democrats hate Republicans
And the Labour hate the Tories
And we all hate the BNP
But during Rational Government Week, Rational Government Week,
It's National Power-sharing-wasn't-what-I-meant Week
Offer positions to
Guys who disagree with you
They'll barely see a week - more like an hour
So grin and smirk, they'll never have real power!
And the left wing hate the right wing
So political fighting
Is the way it's always bin
But during Rational Government Week,
Rational Government Week,
It's time to let the opposition in your ruling clique
It's fun to patronize
The people you despise,
As long as you don't listen once they're in
Oh, the blue side hates the red side
And the red side hates the blue side
Though there may be more than two sides
It's easier as "them" and "us"
But during Rational Government Week,
Rational Government Week,
Hear Sarcozy saying Segolène looks very chic.
So now you invite inside
Those you'd normally deride
Don't it make a great photo in the press?
Oh Republicans hate the Democrats
And the Democrats hate Republicans
And the Labour hate the Tories
And we all hate the BNP
But during Rational Government Week, Rational Government Week,
It's National Power-sharing-wasn't-what-I-meant Week
Offer positions to
Guys who disagree with you
They'll barely see a week - more like an hour
So grin and smirk, they'll never have real power!
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User Comments
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Give the British government: At least they're giving their people rational government one week out of 52. Would that America were so lucky. Still, one week out of 52? Is this why they say "God Save the Queen"?
funny concept...odd to see 'rational' and 'government' in the same sentence
Not too familar with British politics, but then, I guess they're the same all over...good one
Outstanding, Phil. "Rational government" might be an oxymoron, but I like your observation that "there may be more than two sides," and your "Sarkozy/Segolène" line.
:-) Thanks everyone
Alvin & JJ - the oxymoronic nature of the phrase "Rational Government" did bring a smile to my face, too
Michael - no, that's why they say "God Help The Queen" (or at least, why I wrote that parody)
AFW - it wasn't intended to be purely British in aim (hence the Repub/Dem and Sarcozy/Segolène mentions)... democracy as a system sounds wonderful, but given that party politics seems to be an inevitable result, it ain't as wonderful as it sounds
Alvin & JJ - the oxymoronic nature of the phrase "Rational Government" did bring a smile to my face, too
Michael - no, that's why they say "God Help The Queen" (or at least, why I wrote that parody)
AFW - it wasn't intended to be purely British in aim (hence the Repub/Dem and Sarcozy/Segolène mentions)... democracy as a system sounds wonderful, but given that party politics seems to be an inevitable result, it ain't as wonderful as it sounds
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