He taught mathematics and musical theatre, and was a classically trained pianist. He also had an ear for satire just as a satire boom was about to explode on both sides of the Atlantic. Tom Lehrer's satire was witty and sometimes a bit daring in the 1950s and 60s, but for many years he became incredibly popular with his songs on topics of the day, often involving black humour. Yet they did not last the test of time. I expect they were never meant to, but that's just my opinion. They were just very much of their time.

Lehrer died yesterday at the age of 97. Although he was Jewish, perhaps they might play his Vatican Rag at the funeral. In the meantime, with war going on in so many parts of the world, I think this song is particularly apt - and amusing.

Very sad news!  He was, as you say, quite popular in the 50's-60's, writing a lot of funny songs & performing.  But then, around 1970, he just stopped & went back to his scholarly career.  He is quoted as saying: Political satire became obsolete when Henry Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.  I think that his decision to withdraw from writing & performing may be one cause for his obscurity.

On 7/28/2025 at 9:01 AM, tm_nyc said:

  He is quoted as saying: Political satire became obsolete when Henry Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 

I did not know Mr. Lehrer but this very quote made me missing him, God let Him rest in peace

Interestingly, Lehrer had little interest in what he was paid for his performances. At a time when artists with even a remote degree of popularity had lawyers draw up all manner of documents to protect their copyrights, Lehrer did the opposite. He had one drawn up allowing anyone to use his works in any way at any time at no cost.

My cousins' family were quite liberal academics, as liberal was defined back in those days.  They were fans of Tom Lehrer.  That's how I came to know about him.  Our family purchased his LP.

 

I was too young to understand the humor but recall everyone laughed.