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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

White House Music! Cool Story, Polk

Posted by on Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 4:28 PM

(This is part of an ongoing series rating presidential campaign songs, in rough chronological order. You can find all the previous entries here.)

If there's one thing that chafes me, it's bullshit politican man-of-the-people schtick. Here's a semi-recent example:

A much older example is "Jimmy Polk of Tennessee," a folksy tune about how James Polk came from out of nowhere to lead the people of America to glory:

His choice occasioned some surprise
Good democrats rolled up their eyes
Oh, asking, "Tell us, who is he,
James K. Polk of Tennessee?"

Hark, the people rising say
He's the man to cope with Clay
Ha ha, such a nominee
Jimmy Polk of Tennessee!

But soon their vast excitement o'er
They see what ne'er was seen before
The best selection that could be
Ex-Speaker Polk of Tennessee!

But the thing is, you can't say you're outside the system if your title is "Ex-Speaker." I know this blue-collar bullshit is a game that politicians have to play whenever they're up for election, but for anyone paying the slightest bit of attention, it's painful to watch. Good politicians will keep it at a minimum. This song feels hopelessly market tested to make Polk seem like a populist. Even the tune is derivative of every children's song ever. Though his nomination did seem to come out of nowhere, this song's breathless joy doesn't pass the bullshit test. On the positive side: Polk does win an award for president with the best mullet, though.

Lyrics: 2
Enthusiasm: 3
Infectiousness: 2.5
Total Score: 2.5

 

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