Alas there is a gap in the world of music and culture in the shape of Tom Lehrer, his Wikipedia article sadly updated yesterday with his date of passing.
Lehrer had placed all of his songs into the public domain at https://tomlehrersongs.com/ with what I suggest is one of the greatest dedications ever, just an excerpt:
https://tomlehrersongs.com/
Do any of the songs stand out to you, be they familiar or not? I just scrolled and explored a few lyrics, such as The Professor’s Song (which includes a version for physics professors and a different one for math profs) – just the first verse here:
If you give me your attention, I will tell you what I am
I’m a genius and a physicist (and something of a ham)
I have tried for numerous degrees, in fact, I’ve one of each
Of course that makes me eminently qualified to teach
I understand the subject matter thoroughly, it’s true
And I can’t see why it isn’t all as obvious to you
My lectures all are masterpieces, excellently planned
Yet everybody tells me that I’m hard to understand
And I can’t think why!
Who has any stories of hearing or enjoying or making use of Tom Leher’s works? Mine was my 10th grade chemistry teacher named Blooma Friedman playing the first day of class, on a record player, the Elements song.
RIP Tom Lehrer and many thanks for leaving a legacy for the world where it ought to be, in the public domain.