I CAN'T THINK WHY
based on King Gama's Song from Princess Ida
by Giibert & Sullivan

revised lyrics by Tom Lehrer (2001)


If you give me your attention, I will tell you what I am.
I'm a genuine philanthropist -- all other kinds are sham.

Each little fault of grammar and each social defect
In my erring fellow-creatures I endeavor to correct.

To all of their deficiencies I ·open people's eyes,
And little plans to decimate their egos I devise.

I do all the good I can do from the moment I awake,
Yet many people say that I am rather hard to take.
And I can't think why!



To compliments excessive I've a withering reply,
And vanity I always do my best to mortify.

A charitable action I can skillfully dissect.
A motive that's ulterior I'm happy to detect.

If someone does admit a fault, I nonetheless insist
On calling his attention to the ones he may have missed.

I have a gift for crushing repartee, I must admit,
But nobody appreciates the brilliance of my wit.
And I can't think why!



Although I am opinionated, no one should object.
How fortunate I am that my opinions are correct!

I point out people's weaknesses before they leave the room.

I enjoy correcting people who say "who" instead of "whom."

I always say whatever's on my mind, that's very true.
I can tell a person's age in half a minute --- and I do.

And yet no matter how I try to benefit mankind,
Still everybody says that I'm a pain in the behind.
And I can't think why!

This work is in the public domain worldwide because it has been so released by the copyright holder.

 
This article is issued from Wikisource. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.