# Songs and Lyrics (Lehrer)/George Murphy

GEORGE MURPHY
(recorded version, from That Was the Year That Was)
words and music by Tom Lehrer
Hollywood's often tried to mix Show business with politics, From Helen Gahagan To Ronald Reagan. But Mister Murphy is the star Who's done the best by far.
Oh, gee, it's great, At last we've got a senator who can really sing and dance. We can't expect America to win against its foes With no one in the Senate who can really tap his toes. The movies that you've seen On your television screen Show his legislative talents at a glance:
Should American's pick crops? George says "No, 'Cause no one but a Mexican would stoop so low, And, after all, even in Egypt the Pharaohs Had to import Hebrew braceros.
Just think of all the musicals we have in store. Imagine Broadway Melody of 1984! Yes, now that he's a senator, he's really got the chance To give the public A song and dance.
THE GEORGE MURPHY CAMPAIGN SONG
words and music by Tom Lehrer
from the TV show "That Was the Week That Was" (1964)
Oh, what we really need in the Senate Is a fellow who can sing and dance. We can't expect America to win against its foes With no one in the Senate who can really tap his toes Each time that we convene I can do a new routine Like the one where I'm a clown in baggy pants. To prolong a filibuster I can do my part With like seven hundred choruses of "Peg O' My Heart". I'll be making friends with Russia, China, maybe even France With my famous song and dance!
RECITATION: (schmaltzy music underneath with much violin) (for the text see the Addenda file)
'Cause what we really need in the Senate Is a fellow who can sing and dance. Each measure I propose will take me back to vaudeville, 'Cause my name will be up there at the top of the bill. The movies that you've seen On your television screen Show my legislative talent at a glance, Why, even Mr. Salinger admits it's so. He's demanded equal time on the Late, Late Show. Yes, like every other Senator, I only want the chance To give the public A song And dance!
​GEORGE MURPHY - ADDENDA
Dance breaks in Tomfoolery: (stop-time, soft-shoe, not sung)
(dance) They said that the role was out of his range But you're never too old for a shuffle-ball-change (dance) On Capitol Hill as in vaudeville His name wil be a the top of the bill (dance)
Optional second chorus, after the above dance breaks:
In top hat and tails or even baggy pants The moviegoers proved that he could count on them. They loved him in November as they did at MGM. Yes, like everyone in Washington he only wants the chance To give the public a song and dance.
Recitation inserted in "The George Murphy Campaign Song"
(possibly used in the earlier TV version on "That Was the Week That Was")
Movie fans! Voters of California! Remember "Broadway Melody of 1938"? What greater hoofer could you find to represent your state? I'll win each voter's heart --- now is that idea so crazy? Remember how I won Ann Sothern's heart in "Up Goes Maisie"? You'll just have to admit that I'm the best man for the job If you ever saw me in "A Girl, A Guy, and A Gob". But Washington is now more chic, and Hollywood is duller, So, voters, (sung) Will you love me in November as you did in Technicolor?