Tom Lehrer

Yet Another Song Book by Tom Lehrer

A new collection of songs by the American musician, singer-songwriter, satirist, and mathematician. His pithy and humorous songs often parodied popular musical forms, such as the famous "The Elements". Lehrer's work typically is also noted for its black humor in songs such as "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park". In the 1960s, he produced a number of songs that dealt with social and political issues of the day, particularly when he wrote for the U. S. version of the television show That Was the Week That Was. The popularity of these songs has far outlasted their topical subjects and references. Lehrer quoted a friend's explanation: "Always predict the worst and you'll be hailed as a prophet." In the early 1970s, Lehrer largely retired from public performances to devote his time to teaching mathematics and musical theater history at the University of California, Santa Cruz.