Themes to Ride Along

Some people stop wishing for one reason or another. Some say wishing is just for kids. Is wishing a childish thing? I don’t think so. Is wishing too tiring? For me, it isn’t.

Wishing reminds me of someone special - the one who introduced me to a beautiful song titled My Wish. Yes, I have previously given you a single from Rascal Flatts. But their songs are too heart-warming to ignore so I got to grab more of those moving melody. And oh - listen to the lyrics; they’re more than just words.

When I’m down and feels like the world is getting too wicked, I try to listen to moving songs. I also think of the person who made me love this song. His wish for me is my wish for him. For a moment, I’ll forget about the Acura oil filter I was cleaning an hour ago, and think of him, his wish, and…my wish.

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
and each road leads you where you wanna go,
and if you’re faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin’ till you find the window,
if it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile.
But more than anything, more than anything…

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
all the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,

and you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God’s grace, in every mistake,
and always give more than you take.

But More than anything, yeah, more than anything…

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish. Yeah.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

Every song tells a story no matter what the subject may be. Just like vehicles which have their own unique features, songs also have their own stories. Automakers develop vehicles which will represent their company to consumers and this is what artists do too. So in line with this, I would like to share with you a song that is made for the future.

The Song 2112 or Twenty-One Twelve refers to the year. Hopefully, by that time, electric vehicles like the Tesla Roadster and the ZAP Xebra will be dominating the streets of the world. The song is the creation of Canadian progressive rock band Rush. It was first released way back in 1976 so if you want to get in touch with the past, this song is a great one to listen to. Its story is also quite captivating, so here it goes, 2112 by Rush.

***

2112
Rush

I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness of Megadon. City and sky become one, merging into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as they trace their way across the steely sky. I used to think I had a pretty good life here, just plugging into my machine for the day, then watching Templevision or reading a Temple Paper in the evening.

“My friend Jon always said it was nicer here than under the atmospheric domes of the Outer Planets. We have had peace since 2062, when the surviving planets were banded together under the Red Star of the Solar Federation. The less fortunate gave us a few new moons.
I believed what I was told. I thought it was a good life, I thought I was happy. Then I found something that changed it all…”

I. Overture

And the meek shall inherit the earth…

II. Temples of Syrinx

… “The massive grey walls of the Temples rise from the heart of every Federation city. I have always been awed by them, to think that every single facet of every life is regulated and directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and play are all looked after by the benevolent wisdom of the priests…”

We’ve taken care of everything
The words you hear, the songs you sing
The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes.
It’s one for all and all for one
We work together, common sons
Never need to wonder how or why.

We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.
We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls.

Look around at this world we’ve made
Equality our stock in trade
Come and join the Brotherhood of Man
Oh, what a nice, contented world
Let the banners be unfurled
Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand.

We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.
We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls.

III. Discovery

… “Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed away the dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in my hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was beautiful” …

… “I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to make them sound differently. As I struck the wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds, and soon my own music! How different it could be from the music of the Temples! I can’t wait to tell the priests about it! …”

What can this strange device be?
When I touch it, it gives forth a sound
It’s got wires that vibrate and give music
What can this thing be that I found?

See how it sings like a sad heart
And joyously screams out its pain
Sounds that build high like a mountain
Or notes that fall gently like rain.

I can’t wait to share this new wonder
The people will all see its light
Let them all make their own music
The Priests praise my name on this night.

IV. Presentation

… “In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up to a circle of grim, expressionless faces. Father Brown rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed throughout the silent Temple Hall.” …

… “Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were words of quiet rejection! Instead of praise, sullen dismissal. I watched in shock and horror as Father Brown ground my precious instrument to splinters beneath his feet…”

I know it’s most unusual
To come before you so
But I’ve found an ancient miracle
I thought that you should know
Listen to my music
And hear what it can do
There’s something here as strong as life
I know that it will reach you.

Yes, we know, it’s nothing new
It’s just a waste of time
We have no need for ancient ways
Our world is doing fine
Another toy will help destroy
The elder race of man
Forget about your silly whim
It doesn’t fit the plan.

I can’t believe you’re saying
These things just can’t be true
Our world could use this beauty
Just think what we might do.
Listen to my music
And hear what it can do
There’s something here as strong as life
I know that it will reach you.

Don’t annoy us further!
We have our work to do.
Just think about the average
What use have they for you?
Another toy will help destroy
The elder race of man
Forget about your silly whim
It doesn’t fit the Plan!

V. Oracle: The Dream

… “I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase” …

… “I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities and the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and understanding as I saw a completely different way to life, a way that had been crushed by the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss of all these things …”

I wandered home though the silent streets
And fell into a fitful sleep
Escape to realms beyond the night
Dream can’t you show me the light?

I stand atop a spiral stair
An oracle confronts me there
He leads me on light years away
Through astral nights, galactic days
I see the works of gifted hands
That grace this strange and wondrous land
I see the hand of man arise
With hungry mind and open eyes

They left the planet long ago
The elder race still learn and grow
Their power grows with purpose strong
To claim the home where they belong
Home to tear the Temples down…
Home to change!

VI. Soliloquy

… “I have not left this cave for days now, it has become my last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of the waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live under the control of the Federation, but there is no other place to go. My last hope is that with my death I may pass into the world of my dream, and know peace at last.”

The sleep is still in my eyes
The dream is still in my head
I heave a sigh and sadly smile
And lie a while in bed
I wish that it might come to pass
Not fade like all my dreams…

Just think of what my life might be
In a world like I have seen!
I don’t think I can carry on
Carry on this cold and empty life

My spirits are low in the depths of despair
My lifeblood…
…spills over…

VII. The Grand Finale
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
We have assumed control.
We have assumed control.
We have assumed control.

They say that punks are petty criminals. But Bob Marley see them as the voice of the oppressed, using music and their lifestyle to convey their messages that it seems will never be heard. So to give tribute to punk musicians, I tried out a CD of NOFX and I realized that these guys are telling us something and I think that we should listen. Because behind the tattoos, behind the piercing, punks are telling us that we are not on the right path.

If one day you find yourself so full of TV shows and advertisements especially this upcoming Holiday Season when large corporations twist the meaning of Christmas to suit their capitalistic minds, take a breather and take a punk record and drive around in your car. Here’s a song that I really like from NOFX, The Decline.

The Decline
By NOFX

Where are all the stupid people from?
And how’d they get to be so dumb?
Bred on purple mountain range
Feed amber waves of grains
To lesser human beings, zero feelings

Blame it on
Human nature, mans destiny (mans destiny)
Blame it on the greediocracy (greediocracy)
Fear of God
The fear of change
The fear of truth

Add the Bill of Rights, subtract the wrongs
There’s no answers
Memorize and sing star spangled songs
When the questions
Aren’t ever asked
Is anybody learning from the past?
We’re living in united stagnation

Father what have I done?
I took that 22
A gift to me from you
To bed with me each night
Kept it clean
Polished it well
Cherished every cartridge, every shell

Down, by the creek, under brush, under dirt
There’s a carcass of my second kill
Down, by the park, under stone, under pine
There’s a carcass of my brother William
Brother where, have you gone to?
I swear, I never thought I could
I see so many times
They told me to shoot straight
Don’t pull the trigger, squeeze
That will insure a kill
A kill is what you want
A kill is why we breed

The Christians love their guns
The church and NRA
Pray for their salvations
Prey on the lower faiths

The story book’s been read
And every line believed
Curriculum’s been set
Logic is a threat
Reason searched and seized

Jerry spent some time in Michigan
A twenty year vacation, after all he had a dime
A dime is worth a lot more in Detroit
A dime in California, a twenty dollar fine

Jerry only stayed a couple months
It’s hard to enjoy yourself while bleeding out the ass
Asphyxiation is simple and fast
It beats seventeen fun years of being someones bitch

Don’t think (Stay)
Drink your wine (Home)
Watch the fire burn (Be)
His problems not mine (Safe)
Just be that model citizen

I wish I had a schilling
(For each senseless killing)
For every senseless killing
I’d buy a government
America’s for sale
And you can get a good deal on it
(A good deal on it)
And make a healthy profit
Or maybe, tear it apart
Start with assumption
That a million people are smart
Smarter than one

Serotonin’s gone
She gave up, drifted away
Sara fled, thought process gone
She left her answering machine on
The greeting left spoken sincere
Messages no one will ever hear

Ten thousand messages a day
A million more transmissions lay
Victims of the laissez faire
Ten thousand voices, a hundred guns
A hundred decibels turns to one
One bullet, one empty head
Now with Serotonin gone

The man who used to speak
Performs a cute routine
Feel a little patronized
Don’t feel bad
They found a way inside your head
And you feel a bit misled
It’s not that they don’t care, yeah

The television’s put a thought inside your head
Llike a Barry Manilow, jingle
I’d like, to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
A symphonic blank stare, yeah
It doesn’t make you care (make you care)
Not designed to make you care (make you care)
They’re betting you won’t care (you won’t…)

Place a wager on your greed
A wager on your pride
Why try to beat them when, a million others tried?

We are the whore
Intellectually spayed
We are the queer
Dysfunctionally raised

One more pill to kill the pain
One more pill to kill the pain
One more pill to kill the pain
Living through conformity

One more prayer to keep me safe
One more prayer to keep us warm
One more prayer to keep us safe
There’s gonna be a better place

Lost the battle, lost the war
Lost the things worth living for
Lost the will to win the fight
One more pill to kill the pain

Na na na na na
La na na na na
Na na na na na
Na na na na na

The going get tough, the tough get debt
Don’t pay attention, pay the rent
Next of kins pay for your sins
A little faith should keep us safe

Save us
The human, existence
Is failing, resistance
Essential, the future
Written off, the odds are
Astronomically against us
Only moron and genius
Would fight a losing battle
Against the super ego
When giving in is so damn comforting

And so we go, on with our lives
We know the truth, but prefer lies
Lies are simple, simple is bliss
Why go against tradition when we can
Admit defeat, live in decline
Be the victim of our own design
The status quo, built on suspect
Why would anyone stick out their neck?

Fellow members
Club “We’ve Got Ours”
I’d like to introduce you to our host
He’s got his, and I’ve got mine
Meet the decline

We are the queer
We are the whore
Ammunition
In the class war
We are worker
We love our queen
We sacrifice
We’re soilent green

We are the queer
We are the whore
Ammunition
In the class war

Of course everybody knows who The Cure is. Remember “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Three Imaginary Boys”? They are just only two among the songs that were made famous by the group. The band is an English rock band who was first seen in 1976 and was formed in Crawley, Sussex.

The band had undergone several changes with their guitar man, frontman as well as the main song writer Robert Smith. Smith was known because of his out of this world hairstyle, pale complexion and smudged lipstick. The Cure is also known because of its frequently gloomy and introspective lyrics and Robert Smith is the only constant member.

One of its songs is called Mint Car. Here are the lyrics. Enjoy singing along:

***

Mint Car
The Cure

The sun is up
i’m so happy i could scream
and there’s nowhere else in the world i’d rather be
than here with you
it’s perfect
it’s all I ever wanted

Almost can’t believe that it’s for real
i really don’t think it gets any better than this
vanilla smile
and a gorgeous strawberry kiss!
birds sing we swing
clouds shift by and everything is like a dream
It’s everything I wished…

never guessed it got this good
wondered if it ever would
really didn’t think it could
do it again?
i know we should!!!

The sun is up
i’m so fizzy i could burst!
you wet through and me headfirst
into this it’s perfect

It’s all i ever wanted
ow! it feels so big it almost hurts!

never guessed it got this good
wondered if it ever would
really didn’t think it could
do it some more?
i know we should!!!
it will always be like this
forever and ever

never guessed it got this good
Wondered if it ever would
Really didn’t think it could
do it all the time? i know that we should!!!

Just like the Infiniti head gasket, their albums are also available online. You only have to choose the right website to where you are going to get it from.

It’s that time again of the year when winter comes knocking on our doors.  The time once again for the corporate world to take the message of the Holiday Season and twist it around to make us part with our hard earned money. Yep! Christmas is just around the corner, my favorite time of the year.  I know. It s a bit early for it but I don’t know, it seems that I’ve been bitten by the Christmas bug already.

And since I’m feeling a little Christmassy, I asked myself, why not share a not so ordinary Christmas song with you?  So here I am, writing this post, about to share with you probably the first Christmas tune in its genre. And just what genre is it you ask? Hip-hop of course.  The beat of urban music is perfect while you cruise around town.  So here it is, arguably, the first Christmas rap, Christmas Rappin’

Christmas Rappin

Don’t you get me all that job about things you wrote before I’was alive,
Cause this ain’t 1823 ain’t even 1970
Now I’m the guy named Curtis Blow and Christmas is one thing I know,
So every year, just about this time , I celebrate it with a rhyme:
Gonna shaggy, gonna baggy, gonna make it good,
Gonna rock ya pocket through the neighbourhood.
Gonna read, gonna sing it till it’s understood.
My rap is about anthyn like in year 37
Although you’ve been telling on a uncle wood.
By a red suited too, with a really attitude and a slady full of goodie for for the
people on
the block. Got a long white beard, maybe looks kind a weird, and if you ever fear
him – could give a quite shock
Now people let me tell ya about last year when the dude came flying over here,
Well the whole was aus goes on the ground, folks stayed into partytown.
The people thumping on the bus, and I was dancing in my sock,
and the drummer played at a solid pace, and a taste of the base was in my face.

And .. ik, talk, alley down to a heavy layer of the funky junky rhythm of the disco
feat.

And the guy with the 88’s started to participate,
and I could assure appreciate it sound so sweat

We were all in the mood so we had a little food, and a joke, and a smoke, and a
little bit of wine, when I thought I heard a “hoof” on the top of the roof.
Could it be or was it me, I was feeling super fine.
So I went to the adic where I thought heard a static
on the chance that the fence was somebody breaking in.
But the noise on the top was a reindeer clock,
Just a trick saved me, and I let the sucker in.

He was roly, he was boly and I said holy moly, you got a lot of whistles on your
chin chin
He allowed, he was proud of the hairy little crowd
on the point of the door where the skin should’ve bin.
Get’s cool for cool goin outa you for a day on stay
When the cow is blown. So the bear maybe cleared
But I never have a cheer cause it’s warm in the storm when it that blow

I said Yo Rop it’s cold or not,
Can’t you stop for a drop before you go?
He said why not if the music is hot
And I’ll chance of a dance than he can missle too
So he went downstairs and forgot his gap and he rocked the spot and danced like a
pro
And every young girl tried to rock his world
But he boogie yoogie yoogie till he had to go
And before he went this fine old gym
About a gift with a swift through big red bags
In the top of the bottom he reached in and got him towards….. for the girls glad
rag
And a grownups got some presents too
A new TV and a stereo. A new civil about as blue as the sky
The best that money could invite
Cause money could never ever buy the feelin
the one that comes from the ceelin
The way you you feel about your friends
and this is how thestory ends

…the do you raise back at the pole
of north where everything is cold
but if he were right here tonight
he’d say merry Christmas and to all good night.

So instead of my scheduled Cadillac shocks repairs, I’d like to be laid back for a day and listen to songs like Pearl Jam’s Lass Kiss.

Songfacts tidbids about the song:

This was originally recorded by J. Frank Wilson And The Cavaliers in 1964. Their version also went to #2 in the US. See those Songfacts to learn more about it.

Lead singer Eddie Vedder came across this song when he found the record in an antique store in Seattle before a show. He bought it and stayed up all night listening to it. He took it to the band and they played it throughout the summer of their 1998 tour.

When it comes to cruising around the block with a hip-hop record blaring on a car audio system, Snoop Dogg is one of the top artists I would pick.  Born Cordozar Calvin Broadus and formerly used the stage name Snoop Doggy Dogg, the MC is one of the more notable hip-hop artist of all generation. He has become the poster boy of hip-hop not because of his clash with the law but also because of his talent. And a few days from now, a couple to be exact. Snoop Dogg will be celebrating his birthday.  And as homage to the genius of this performer which in my book is only second to Tupac, I would like to share with you a song from the hip-hop master.

This song is kinda anthemic as it is entitled Ghetto Symphony. He performed with Mia X, Fiend, C-Murder, Mystikal, Silkk the Shocker, and Goldie Loc.  These artists came out with this song for all of us to sing to while pushing the pedal to the metal.  So here it is, Ghetto Symphony.

Ghetto Symphony
By Snoop Dogg

Yo nephew, give me some of that No Limit shit
Yeah..
We got my nigga Fiend in the house
C-Murder in this motherfucker
Mystikal all up in this bitch
Goldie Loc, hm-hmm
My nephew Silkk the Shocker
Oh yeah, we got somethin for the ladies too
Mia X, run this bitch

Lyrical arsonist, lady alligator
Down South, hustler, former weight smuggler
I’m Mother, of the Tank, gave birth to an army
Guerilla millionaires, so don’t even ask, if you wanna
get to clappin, soldier action specialty of style
We made the whole world respect the underground while
some of y’all niggaz talk shit and get mad
Cause we did it with a foot up your ass, and it’s still there
I cares not about your click or the block
I’m still that same bitch to run up in your spot and knock you off
Broad, with the cause (yeah) bitch on a mission
Keep them niggaz by they nuts while you hoes be dick kissin
Missin the game, damn bitch it’s written in plain ebonics
So shake that come-up off you brain and do the knowledge
Mia X, kickin off the ghetto symphony
Next soldier up, tell em who the FUCK you be

WHUT? It’s Fiend y’all
Put me in the ring with real MC’s, and watch em run for cover
and hidin in trees, to escape the mic that I breathe on
Bleed on, exceed on!
Weak rappers with titles after twelve
Hit a bell that’s what I’ll feed on!
Microphone Don, walkin flesh, talkin bomb
Bringin harm, to the calm, and, them be alarmed
It’s the African, oh, you wanna battle again?
I’ll turn, you and your mans, to my yesterday plans
Oh damn, totin two pistols like Yosemite Sam
Old man be grand, loud as the Southern band
Pickups and caravans, the soldier, that could, that can
I would be the man, but Dogg beat me to them plans

Next up, on the M-I-C
C-Murder, get busy for the symphony

I be’s that nigga on the tank, always trippin never slippin
Have you reminiscin and missin, that fool in your picture
Call me Bossalinie BITCH without the Mo’s at shows
And FUCK dose who oppose (why?) we runnin them hoes
three-hundred and sixty-five motherfuckin days a year
I have your fool staggerin just like a bottle of beer
You niggaz runnin from the cops, well I ain’t runnin no mo’
I flip the bird when I swerve, man, FUCK them hoes
I’m crazy my nagga, but uh, I thought y’all knew that, shit
Oh you ain’t see the news? Shit I’m the nigga with the TRU tat
Ask my nigga Keno, shit, I just don’t give a fuck
And if you run up wrong, I’ma fuck you up, you bitch you

Next up, on the M-I-C
Silkk the Shocker get busy on the symphony

Now would I COME THIS FAR FUCKER? If I didn’t sound like a hit
Y’all didn’t know what the fuck y’all thinkin bout
You sound like a bitch (beotch!)
Shit it sound like a wish, you know when you got a motherfuckin hit,
bitch?? When it sound like this!
Or you fake niggaz get enough heart, and try to bust a
rhyme at this click
Fuck around and miss, then fuck around and get
found in a ditch
Gotta labels give me dough, when they find I can, gross this much
Freestyle shit, you can tell em I ain’t, wrote this stuff
Silkk the Shocker, KLC perv and mash like, Snoop and Dre nigga
Y’all can relate to ??? ??? get a contract like, MJ nigga
Nigga where you from? You sweata, FUCK YOU AT?
N-O-L-I-M-I-T, Top Dogg, and I’m FUCKIN with that

Next up, on the M-I-C
Mystikal get busy on the symphony

WHOO SHIT MOTHERFUCKER GOD DAMN!!
I keep it HYYYYYYPE, BITCH I’M THE MAN!
When the FUCK you ever heard somebody say that they don’t say my song
or that I don’t roll on every fuckin person RAPPIN ON
(That nigga Mystikal tighter than a muh’fucker) HAHHHHH?
I came up off of _Peter Piper_ bells and the LL’s _Bad_
??Nee?? nigga to be pissed off with me
cause their old lady they call me their baby
MC’s pilin up and crowdin up, but I’m their FAVORITE
The type to fly buyin a Z-28 IROC
And chop you in your motherfuckin face (HIII-YAH)
Your album ain’t tite, WHAT IN THE FUCK IS YOU PUSHIN?
You played out just like old woman pussy

Next up, on the M-I-C
Goldie Loc, get busy on the symphony

Now watch me put these haters to the test, accumulatin with my stress
Fold em fuck em fifty, get the shit up off my chest
Releasin anger, all natural gangsta energy
Goldie Loc the name, Dogg House game
Motherfuckers better start backin up (whattup whattup)
We in the Tank punk busters, motherfuckers don’t wanna see us loc’d up
Little Goldie Loc, Goldie Locks the same thang
Smashin for the hood, cause I wanted to gangbang

Last up, I believe that’s me
Snoop Dogg, light up the mic for the symphony

This jam is dedicated to all non-optimistics
That thought I wasn’t comin, out with some exquisite, rhymes
But that’s OK, cause now I’m back
To kill all the rumors, and straighten the facts
Like umm, doin bad, gettin ganked for my bank
Now you all on my dick when you see I’m TRU Tank Dogg
You say, “Mmmm mmm mmm! Ain’t that somethin
Dogg I bought yo’ album, my nigga, that shit is bumpin
I apologize, I’m sorry for the drama
Can I get your autograph for my baby momma?”
Shit I’m settin it off, lettin it off, bustin
Hustlin, rushin, dustin motherfuckers
Droppin the heat, lock up the street, we ‘posed to
I put this pistol in your mouth, now what you gon’ do?
Top of the line, first class
I pop a cap in yo’ ass, then pop some more in the glass
Too legit to quit, I’m spittin gangsta shit
Man fuck all that yappin, we bout that gun clappin

No Limit, yeah, that’s what’s happenin
Fuck all that yappin, we bout that gun clappin
Yeah
In the real world, talk is cheap
Actions speak louder than words
No Limit Records, here to protect and serve

The trend today in the auto industry is about making the greenest and most fuel efficient vehicle.  Japanese automakers are focused on the development of gas electric hybrid vehicles; these are cars which has an internal combustion engine and a powerful battery pack which drives an electric motor. European automakers on the other hand are more intent on the development of clean diesel engines.

Diesel engines have been known to be more efficient than gasoline.  The only problem back in the days with diesel engines is its noisy operation and black soot emission.  Today though, automakers, especially European ones have found a way to make diesel engines clean, even cleaner than some gasoline engines. And when you talk about diesel engines, Audi is one automaker that I always think of.  Why?  Because they won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans two years in a row with a diesel race car.  But this year, Audi is challenged by French automaker Peugeot in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And while I was pondering on the achievements of Peugeot, a song by Weird Al Yankovic comes to mind.

And that song is Genius in France.  After all, it would really take a group of intellectual individuals to come up with cars such as those produced by Peugeot. So I want to share this song with you. Hope you like it as much as I do.

Genius in France
By Weird Al Yankovic

I’m not the brightest crayon in the box
Everyone says I’m dumber than a bag of rocks
I barely even know how to put on my own pants
But I’m a genius in France (yeah), genius in France, genius in France

Hoom chaka laka
Hoom chaka laka
Hoom chaka

I may not be the sharpest hunk of cheese
I got a negative number on my SATs
I’m not good looking and I don’t know how to dance
But nevertheless and in spite of the evidence I am still widely considered to be
A genius in France, a genius in France, a genius in France

People say I’m a geek, a moronic little freak
An annoying pipsqueak with an unfortunate physique
If I was any dumber, they’d have to water me twice a week

But when the Mademoiselles see me, they all swoon and shriek
They dig my mystique, they [think] I’m c’est magnifique
When I’m in Par-ee, I’m the chic-est of the chic

They love my body odor and my bad toupee
They love my stripey shirt and my stupid beret
And when I’m sipping on a Perrier
In some cafe [down] in St. Tropez

It’s hard to keep the fans at bay
They say, “Sign my poodle, s’il vous plait”
“Sign my poodle, s’il vous plait”

Hemenene humenene
himenene homenene
Poodle… poodle…

Folks in my hometown think I’m a fool
Got too much chlorine in my gene pool

A few peas short of a casserole
A few buttons missing on my remote control
A few fries short of a happy meal
I couldn’t pour water out of a boot with instructions on the heel

Instructions on the heel
Instructions on the heel

But when I’m in Provence, I get free croissants
Yeah, I’m the guy every French lady wants
And if you ask ‘em why, you’re bound to get this response
(He’s a genius in France! Genius in France!)

That’s right
(He’s a genius in France, genius in France)
You know it
(He’s a genius in France, genius in France, genius in France)

I’m not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree
But the folks in France, they don’t seem to agree
They say, “Bonjour, Monsieur would you take ze picture with me?”

I say, “Wee, Wee”
That’s right, I say, “Wee, Wee”
“Wee, Wee”
He says, “Wee, Wee”

I’m dumber than a box of hair
But those Frenchies don’t seem to care
Don’t know why, mon frere
But they love me there

I’m a genius in France
Yeah, I’m a genius in France

Gonna make a big splash when I show up in Cannes
Gonna make those Frenchies scream
“You ze man! You ze man! You ze man!”

Like a fine Renoir (waa), I’ve got that [je ne sais quoi] (quoi!)
Like a fine Renoir (ooh la la), I’ve got that [je ne sais] …
Quoi quoi quoi quoi quoi, oo-we-oo
Quoi quoi quoi quoi quoi, oo-we-oo

Bow diddy bow di bow di bow bow diddy
Bow diddy bow di bow di bow bow diddy
Bow

[snort]

I’m a taco short of a combo plate
But by some twist of fate, all the Frogs think I’m great
Oh, the men all faint and the women scream
They like me more than heavy cream

When I’m in Versailles, I’m a popular guy
My oh my, I’m as French as apple pie (apple pie)
They think I’m awful witty, a riot and a half
When I tell a stupid joke, they laugh(haw haw haw haw haw)
And laugh (haw haw haw haw haw haw)

People in France have lots of attitude
They’re snotty and rude, they like disgusting food
But when they see me, they just come unglued
They think that I am one happening dude

Bowm ba ba bowm ba bowm ba bowm
I’m about as sharp as a bowling ball
But they like me better than Charles DeGaulle

Entre nous, it’s very true
The room temperature’s higher than my IQ
But they love me more than Gerard Depardieu
How did this happen; I don’t have a clue

Well, I’m not the quickest tractor on the farm
I don’t have any skills or grace or charm
And most people look at me like I’m all covered with ants
But I’m a genius in France (yeah), genius in France, genius in France

And I’m never goin’ back, I’m never goin’ back
I’m never never never never goin’ back home again
I’m tearin’ up my return flight ticket
Gonna tell the folks back [home] where they can stick it

‘Cause I’m never goin’ back
I’m never goin’ back
I’m never goin’ back

The girls back home never gave me a chance
But I sho’ ’nuff got them Frogs in some kinda trance
And I’m aware that it’s a most improbable circumstance
But “Great Googily Moogily”, I’m a genius in France

Every Frenchie that I meet
Just can’t wait to kiss my feet
Get in line, pucker up! [Toute] Suite!

Bowm diddy bowm diddy bowm diddy

I’m gettin’ even more famous by the hour
I’m stuffed with pastries and drunk with power
Now they’re puttin’ up my statue by the Eiffel Tower

A little more to the left, boys, a little more to the left
A little more to the left, boys, a little more to the left

I’m the biggest dork there is alive
My mom picked out my clothes for me ’till I was 35
And I forgot to mention
I’m not even welcome at the Star Trek convention

But the Frenchies think
That my poop don’t stink
I’m a genius in France

Say, would you pass the Grey Poupon?
Merci beaucoup