Another Loss of Some Note (or Notes)

[The_Doc_Man]

This weekend we lost Tom Lehrer, noted musical satirist and professor of mathematics.

Tom Lehrer, song satirist and mathematician, dies at 97

Tom Lehrer songs included “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park,” “The Old Dope Peddler,” “Be Prepared” and “The Vatican Rag,” in which he poked at the rites and ceremonies of the Roman Catholic Church.

apnews.com

Some of his songs from a few decades ago were inspired, brilliant, and absolutely hilarious. And still relevant today.

Regarding Iranian nuclear weapons:

Regarding another discussion in this on plagiarism:

Finally, one that was near and dear to this old chemist's heart - and in fact I played it as a theme song for my required seminar that was based on my dissertation research:

RIP Tom Lehrer

 

[jdraw]

There is a well-known anecdote about Tom Lehrer, but it's best categorized as an apocryphal or satirical story, not a verified true incident.

The story you're referring to likely goes something like this:​

After some controversy or backlash over his satirical songs, Tom Lehrer supposedly retaliated by going into the Harvard chemistry lab (where he worked as a mathematician and instructor) and removing the labels from bottles of chemicals, as a sort of mischievous protest.

However, there is no credible evidence that this ever truly happened. It appears to be one of those urban legends or tongue-in-cheek tales that Lehrer himself may have alluded to—or that grew out of his public persona as a razor-sharp satirist with a dark sense of humor.


Lehrer was known for his witty and subversive songs in the 1950s and 1960s, covering topics like nuclear war, racism, and politics. He studied mathematics at Harvard, taught at MIT and other institutions, and had a deep love for both music and science. But there’s no verifiable record—in interviews, biographies, or official sources—that confirms he ever actually tampered with a lab in that way.

In summary:​

• It’s a popular myth or joke, not a confirmed real event.
• It fits Lehrer’s satirical style, which is why it sticks.
• Lehrer has often been the subject of embellished stories due to his cult status in academic and musical circles.

 

[Mark_]

When we hear the angles sing, it will be Freddy, Ozzy, and Tom.
Unfortunately we me join them soon if Putin drops the bomb.

 

[Isaac]

When we hear the angles sing, it will be Freddy, Ozzy, and Tom.
Unfortunately we me join them soon if Putin drops the bomb.

Yikes that's scary. I don't think the being there would be so bad, it's the getting there that concerns me

 

[Mark_]

Yikes that's scary. I don't think the being there would be so bad, it's the getting there that concerns me

I've a feeling Tom would approve though...

 

[The_Doc_Man]

Considering that Tom Lehrer was a noted atheist, he would probably be astounded. His selection "Vatican Rag" is a rag-time send-up of religious ceremony. He was critical of the mumbo-jumbo that went with all of the worship rituals.