in imitation of the Gilbert and
Sullivan song, ``I am so proud'' from the Mikado, sung by Poo-Bah, Ko-Ko,
and Pish-Tush, which in this version are aliased as Pooh-Bear, Coo-Coo, and
Mish-Mash. (Bob changed a few words of his part as Mish-Mash at the very
last moment, and I have not yet recorded them here.) Many years ago,
Tony coined the term ``Compunications'' to represent computers and
communications. That has clearly inspired Bob. This libretto should
enable you to try it yourselves at home.
Pooh-Bear:
He is so wise,
His talk supplies
Analysis for
Those seeking more--
But all admit
His fabled wit
Helps make things clear
To a listener's ear.
His wisdom grows
And what he knows
Confounds his foes
As on he goes (as on he goes)--
Coo-Coo:
His brain, it teems
With endless schemes
Both good and new
For Harvard U. (for Harvard U.)--
And if the boys
Who make the noise
Would only heed
His call, indeed,
Their every word
Would then be heard
As less absurd,
Hence more preferred.
Mish-Mash:
I heard one day
A programmer say
That software is real-
Ly no big deal--
So where's it at
For users that
Are quite confused (confused)
About the used?
If this is true,
The users should sue
Designers who
Just haven't a clue--
TRIO PB He is so wise ...
CC His brain it teems ...
MM I heard one day ...
Coo-coo:
And so, although
He's really a pro,
Yet recollect
One must effect
What may protect
The circumspect
And thus direct
Benign neglect.
Pooh-Bear:
And so, although
I'd like to know
What makes him shine
With brilliance fine
Along the line
Of a neon sign--
Yet I'll decline,
If there's more wine.
Mish-Mash:
To go and show
With ho-de-ho
What all is there,
I'm quite aware
Is much to dare,
And I declare
It's not quite fair,
But I don't much care.
TRIO PB: Yet I'll decline (6x)
CC: Benign neglect (6x)
MM: It's not quite fair, But I don't much care (3x) +
Much care, I don't much care, I don't much care
TRIO (twice, with different harmonizations)
To sit in solemn silence in a lecture hall,
There to listen to pronouncements of what will befall,
And just what is the message holding us in thrall:
Yea, Compunications in the end will save us all.
A lecture hall, what will befall,
Holds us in thrall, to save us all--
To sit in solemn silence, hoping that it's no delusion
To have faith in the conclusion that Compunications in the end
Will Save Us All!