The Mathematics of Satire #MusicMovesMe

It's Monday, and it's time for music.

Today I am joining up with other Music Moves Me bloggers (and you can join us at the linky above). We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.)   We have occasional theme weeks, but you are welcome to ignore the theme and use music of your chice.  Why not join us?  You don't have to sing, or play an instrument.  All music lovers are welcome.

Our head host is Xmas Dolly, and our co-hosts are Cathy from Curious as a Cathy, joined by the knowledgeable Stacy of Stacy Uncorked and, last but not least, me.

This week's theme is "You Pick".  

My pick is another induction into Rock and Roll Heaven, although I don't think you could consider this man a rocker.  He was a favorite of those who enjoyed intelligent satire, whether or not you agreed with him.

Tom Lehrer, who died at the age of 97 on July 26, was a mathematician, songwriter, satirist, and possibly a researcher at Los Alamos. 

Warning in advance:  a number of his songs are not what you might call Politically Correct.  

This video has two of his songs:  National Brotherhood Week and When You Are are Old and Grey.  The latter song was written when he was 21. I wonder what he thought about it when he entered his 90s. 

An older Tom Lehrer, in 1998, performing Poisoning Pigeons in the Park.  

 In the 1960's, Lehrer appeared on the satirical TV Show That Was the Week That Was, which I listened to with my parents.  Subsequently, he appeared on a comedy show called The Frost Report.  This is a song called Decimals (I did mention he was a mathematician, didn't I?) 

New Math. Can you identify, even years later?  (Note, you'll have to watch this directly on You Tube).

Lehrer also wrote songs for the educational children's TV program, The Electric Company.  Here is Silent E.

Many of us (including me) were introduced to Lehrer through the Dr. Demento [Barry Hansen] show, which featured novelty and comedic songs for many years until Hansen's retirement this past June.

In 2020, Lehrer released all his works into the public domain, so we can all enjoy them.  He will be missed.

Rest in Peace, Tom.

And that's a wrap.

Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.