Of all the ways in which talentless people manage to parasitize the talented, writing new lyrics to old songs has to be the least artful, most maddening one. Writing new lyrics to an old song, despite some pseudo-songwriters' apparent feelings of fulfillment and self-satisfaction, requires no talent or education beyond, say, the third grade. We have all seen or heard the substitute lyrics to Christmas carols, usually designed to be humorous. Aside from being stupid, Christians might find them even sacrilegious. O Grandma-mum, O Grandma-mum, your dentures green repulse us!
The greatest achievement one who practices this would-be craft can hope to achieve is to permanently ruin a classic song. The most egregious recent example of this would have to be, Viva Viagra. The genius behind this abomination had better hope he never finds himself in a dark alley with me. Years of pent-up frustration at these insults to my good sense (in the name of commerce!) would be unleashed.
Of course, the biggest, most successful talent leech has to be Weird Al Yankovic. Though he may be able to carry a tune, he has an unpleasant nasal twang that would preclude him from ever being a successful, serious recording artist. And yet, by writing stupid lyrics to real hits, pasting a big-eyed smirking leer on his face, and filming silly, so-called "music" videos, he has managed to make a living. Amazing.
As if to perpetuate this affront to human dignity, there is even a web page dedicated to the family fun that can be had by writing new lyrics to old songs. Really, people, just buy a Scrabble game.
2 comments:
It's true, when Al was starting out, his voice was pretty nasal. But he doesn't sing like that now. Here's a live concert video of Al covering "More Than A Feeling" with his friends Presidents of the USA this past April. http://blip.tv/file/764896
And half of his songs are all his, words and music. They're not as well known, but they're well-done, interesting songs. Anyway, nearly everybody Al has parodied has been quite happy to have him do it. ~OE
Hey, quiad-fontes, thanks for the civil response, since you are a Weird Al fan! I went to the link you posted, but the sound quality wasn't good enough to really tell how he sounded, as somoeone unfamiliar with his music. I went to his official website and his Myspace page, and I did hear some of his music. I don't think I will ever be a fan; but my real point was that I find co-opting others' tunes (by anyone) annoying and offensive. The other Weird Al comments were just gratuitous piling-on. I learned some things from your comment, including the fact that Weird Al has a big following. Thanks!
Post a Comment