I pulled out the CD of That Was the Year That Was and listened on my drive to work. So many topical songs are right on the mark. The "MLF Lullaby," "Send the Marines," and "So Long Mom" (WW-III) could be sung to Dubya today with heartfelt sincerity. And with all of the first amendment and privacy issues, "Smut" (and nothing but!) is STILL perfect. Take the Wizard of Oz, there's a dirty old man!

I agree with the remarks about his use of English and rhyme. Over the years I've read a lot of poetry to the kids, and we enjoy Lehrer's skill with lyrics. For example, "MLF Lullaby" starts with a very tidy choice of words:

Sleep, Baby, Sleep, in peace may you slumber,
No danger lurks, your sleep to encumber. . .

I won't get started on the puns!

Now take a moment to consider the song "George Murphy" and think about how he would skewer Gov. Arnold!

Hmmm. . . Suppose we could talk him into joining Mudcat?

SRS