Musical Sunday

Today, April 9th, we celebrate the birthday of Harvard mathematician and satirical singer/songwriter Tom Lehrer, whose marvelously pithy and funny songs poked fun at just about everything and everyone you can imagine. Today, we recognize Mr Lehrer's birthday with his classic song "National Brotherhood Week," which is as pointedly accurate today as it was when it was released in 1965 ...

Here are the lyrics ...

Oh, the white folks hate the black folks,

And the black folks hate the white folks,

To hate all but the right folks

Is an old established rule.

But during

National Brotherhood Week, National Brotherhood Week,

Lena Horne and Sheriff Clark are dancing cheek to cheek.

It's fun to eulogize the people you despise

As long you don't let them in your school

Oh, the poor folks, hate the rich folks,

And the rich folks hate the poor folks,

All of my folks hate all of your folks,

It's American as apple pie.

But during

National Brotherhood Week, National Brotherhood Week,

New Yorkers love the Puerto Ricans cause it's very chic.

Stand up and shake the hand of someone you can't stand

You can tolerate him if you try.

Oh the Protestants hate the Catholics,

And the Catholics hate the Protestants,

And the Hindus hate the Muslims,

And everybody hates the Jews.

But during

National Brotherhood Week, National Brotherhood Week,

It's National Everyone-Smile-At-One-Another-hood Week.

Be nice to people who are inferior to you,

It's only for a week so have no fear - 

Be grateful that it doesn't last all year!

Tom Lehrer ... a national treasure.

Have a good day and enjoy the rest of your weekend. Happy Easter, if you observe. More thoughts coming.

Bilbo