poetry friday, bitter edition

A song today, instead of a poem.

Who Needs Art?
words and music by Roy Zimmerman
© 1996 Watunes (BMI)
(From "What's Left")

Art is fair and Art is fine
A holy elevation from the lowly swine
A thing of beauty in the grand design
Aaaa... who needs it?

Art is Man's redeeming grace
Illuminates and educates the human race
It's too expensive and it takes up space
Aaaa... who needs it?

Art is never understood
Especially when it's good
It gives us chills
(I hate chills!)

Art speaks to us from each distant land
Reminding us of our telephone bills

Art is noble and refined
The loftiest endeavor of the human mind
So paint a picture of my fat behind
Aaaa... who needs it?

Art is "Phantom" and "Les Miz"
I don't know much about it but I know what it is
It ain't a crucifix submerged in whiz
Aaaa... who needs it?

Art is never what it seems
It drives us to extremes
It makes us think
(I hate that!)

Art shows how lovely are lives can be
Reminding us that our real lives stink

Art is ageless and sublime
A waste of otherwise productive time
It leads to Yoga, Hacky Sack and Mime
Who needs it? Who needs it? Who needs it? Who needs it?

Who needs Art?
Who needs Art?
Who needs Art?
When you're renewing American civilization

Art is lewd and Art is vile —

Wait! I'd like to say a word in Art's defense
Art doesn't make a lot of sense
And so it's easy to ignore

And, furthermore
It helps us forget about money and war
It helps us remember what we're living for...

Right! Money and war!

Artists are vain, corrupt and fat
They spend our taxes "finishing the hat"

They paint us pretty pictures...

Well, we've got politicians to do that
Who needs it, who needs it, who needs it, who needs it?

Who needs Art?
Who needs Art?
Who needs Art?

Who needs Art?
When you're renewing American civilization
By ridding the nation of edification?