Labor Day Hymn: Major Hymn Contest Winner
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,500
    Here is a link to a hymn that might be just perfect for Labor Day--or not. http://www.pcusa.org/news/2010/4/22/notes-about-people/

    Discuss.
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,451
    I almost liked it, but there needs to be some sort of INTERNATIONAL LAW against phrases like:
    The underpaid, under-employed, who fill a vital role.


    I will set aside all of my Libertarian politics if we could get the U.N. to militarily enforce a ban on this sort of thing.

    I really believe that doing so would "benefit the common good, the sciences and arts."


    (besides of which the meter is whacked with an accent on "un-DER em-PLOYED").
    Thanked by 1Gavin
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,500
    For all the workers in the world whose sweat and care and toil
    clean streets, mow lawns, flip burgs and dogs and press the olive oil,
    whose hands unknown to humankind are only known to God,
    who at the eve of every day their path to home have trod....
    Thanked by 1Adam Wood
  • GavinGavin
    Posts: 2,799
    "UNderpaid.... unDERemployed."

    And if they fill a vital role... then why should we worry about underemployment or wage equality?
  • francis
    Posts: 10,668
    O, for that we labor as thou didst once ordain
    With no concern that limb or thought be sprained
    We carry high the banner of our deeds and moaning pain
    And hope to hell we'll never have to work a day again.

    (American Catholic Version)
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,500
    The irony is, when we work, it seems such drudgery,
    It seems so easy just to shirk and wish that we were free,
    but once a tedi'ous job is lost we moan for it and pine:
    we know our labor's precious cost was only in our minds and hearts.
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,451
    BTW- the 1982 has a pretty decent text "All Who Love and Serve Your City"
  • francis
    Posts: 10,668
    If every day you do the thing you always like to do
    And find a way to get some cash from those who like it too
    Then you have found a little piece of heaven here on earth,
    So get to work and carve your niche, and charge for what it's worth!

    (Dr. Seuss Version)
    Thanked by 3Adam Wood Kathy Heath
  • francis
    Posts: 10,668
    It is your right to be as only you rightly define
    And not to worry if the things you take are rightly mine
    So step right up and take your place here in the handout-line
    Without concern or single thought that you are wasting time.

    (Obama Version)
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,451
    And if no one will pay you for your writing your art,
    no matter how much work and sweat, no matter how much heart,
    the world, it owes you nothing, and the government still less,
    so don't expect to feed yourself with things that you "express"

    Currency of paper is a proxy for the trade
    of value found in services and goods that you have made.
    if no one wants the thing you do, no one will pay your rent
    So do it as a hobby, or go live out in a tent.
    Thanked by 2francis Chris Allen
  • francis
    Posts: 10,668
    And if you spent your entire life to earn a PHD
    You better find and work for those who'll pay you back the fee!
    Thanked by 1Adam Wood
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,500
    There's money in them hymnals, boy,
    and riches in the pews.
    And when your child is college age,
    you'll wish that cash were you's.

    But no, the royalties belong
    to those whose words don't sing,
    who never feel the sweet frisson
    that inspiration brings.

    And while recorded history
    will grant the palm to you,
    their heirs will spend the legacy
    that should have been yours' due.
  • francis
    Posts: 10,668
    That's why I flip the birdie to
    the ones who want my stuff
    And print the stupid notes (words) myself
    so I can eat the fluff.

    What good is it to have a name
    that every household lips
    If all I get to feed my kids
    is coke and tater chips?
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,451
    Kathy:
    Best defense of IP law I have ever read.
    Thanked by 2francis CHGiffen
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,451
    Also, I had to look up "frisson".
    Thanks for that.
  • francis
    Posts: 10,668
    ...also a statement on the fleeting deception of fame.
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,451
    I once suggested that all debates or disagreements on this forum should be conducted entirely in rhymed verse. More than ever, I am convinced that is a good idea.
    Thanked by 1Ben
  • francis
    Posts: 10,668
    Certainly makes our debates a bit easier to stomach as our thoughts are not so direct, biting and simply unacceptable for human consumption.
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,451
    like the world's dorkiest rap battle