Story Behind The Song
Written originally for NPR's Morning Edition, though never aired. It can be found on the cd "Broadsides," a John Forster and Tom Chapin duet album, consisting mainly of their topical songs written for NPR. For more info go to www.johnforster.com or http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tchapinjforster.
Song Description
Sung from the POV of a hapless guy who tries to solve all his problems by reading "For Dummies" books.
| Song Length |
3:16 |
Genre |
Folk - Rock, Folk - Alternative |
| Tempo |
Medium Fast (131 - 150) |
Similar Artists |
Randy Newman, Bob Dylan |
| Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
It changed the life I led,
Turned around my head.
I haven't been the same since the day I read--
"Investing On Line for Dummies,"
Which led to "Buying On Margin for Dummies."
That led to "Home Equity Loans for Dummies. "
And though I'm on a losing spree
It's gonna be all right, you'll see,
'Cause I just picked up "Bankruptcy for Dummies. "
I gave my daughter "Dating for Dummies."
Then she bought "Planning Your Own Wedding for Dummies." Then he bought "Anger Management for Dummies."
Has it been painful? Yes, of course.
At least they've got this great resource:
"Handling Your Own Divorce for Dummies."
Where everything you need to know
Is laid out neatly in a row
To give your life an easy overhaul.
When every illustrated tome
Cries "Pick me up and take me home!"
It's the siren call
Of the Yellow Wall.
Calling all Dummies.
I gave my wife "Trompe L'Oeil for Dummies."
She bought me "Plastering Your Walls for Dummies,"
Then "Wood Rot and Termite Repair for Dummies."
And now I'm down to crumbling brick,
My back is out, my heart is sick.
So I bought "Selling Your House Quick for Dummies."
I hadn't realized Ancient Greek
Was just the thing I yearned to speak
Until I saw it on my Visa bill.
And every time I buy a book
They simply bait another hook
With the pointless thrill
Of a useless skill.
Calling all dummies!
"Giving Up Smoking for Dummies"
Led me to "Self Realization for Dummies,"
Led me to "Finding Inner Peace for Dummies."
But I'll never find my inner peace
Until the day that they release
"Giving up '...For Dummies' for Dummies."
I'm all done with Dummies.
No more Dummies,
Dum... dum... dummies.
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