Alternative lyrics for "What did you learn in school today"

March 17, 2017 6:40 PM

I wrote some new lyrics for this still-relevant social commentary/protest song by Tom Paxton from the 60s, which was first recorded by Pete Seeger. I don't really have recording equipment to speak of, so I'm not posting my ukulele rendition but thought that the lyrics might be of interest. (sorry if this is not really the place for this sort of thing; I haven't spent much time in MeFi Music)

CHORUS:
What did you learn online today, dear old friend of mine?
What did you learn online today, dear old friend of mine?


I learned that Trump is not a crook
He's done everything by the book.
All those cucks saying otherwise
Are blowing smoke and telling lies.
That's what I learned online today, that's what I learned online.

Chorus

I learned that things are not OK
There's bad guys out there who've got to pay.
And black folks, Muslims, Jews, and queers
Caused all of my worsest fears.
That's what I learned online today, that's what I learned online.

Chorus

I learned that rich men have our back.
We have to help them grow their stacks.
Cause when they own just about everything
Then maybe they'll drop a piece for me.
That's what I learned online today, that's what I learned online.

Chorus

I learned you can't trust CNN
And the New York Times is drowned in sin.
Ignore that "science" it ain't so swell
Alternative Truth serves us well.
And that's what I learned online today, that's what I learned online.
posted by cubby (2 comments total) 1 user marked this as a favorite

Also - I'd love to see any ideas for other verses; this seems to me like one of those songs that is meant to be added on to
posted by cubby at 6:57 PM on March 17, 2017


This sounds like a fun reboot; probably you can build upon it as the weeks go by and things get more preposterous. However, that's not why I wrote.

When you say, "I don't really have recording equipment to speak of," do you have a phone of some sort that has a record button for taking audio notes?
- If YES, can you transfer that audio onto your computer? [If YES, then Great! You're a recording artist with all the necessary equipment. If NO, maybe a librarian can help you do this.]
- if NO, then can you ask a friend to record you playing it and email you the audio file? [If YES, then Great! You're a recording artist with someone else's necessary equipment! If NO, then if you live in a city, ask anyone on the street. They may look at you like you are nuts, but hey, you're a musician with a ukelele singing an anti-fascist song; you're not nuts – you are a WARRIOR with a MISSION! and a UKELELE!]

I think if the internet has taught me one thing, it's that almost anyone can put content out there if they're resourceful.
posted by not_on_display at 8:16 PM on March 17, 2017


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