My Son, the Folk Singer

📜 A Cultural Phenomenon

My Son, the Folk Singer is a seminal studio album by Allan Sherman, released in 1962 by Warner Bros. Records. The album sleeve notably states, "Allan Sherman's mother presents." Recorded before a live audience, it masterfully blends comedy music with references deeply rooted in Jewish culture and insider humor, establishing a unique niche in the popular music landscape of the era.

🏆 Critical Acclaim

The album's innovative approach and widespread appeal garnered significant recognition. It was nominated for a prestigious Grammy Award for Album of the Year (other than classical) at the 5th Annual Grammy Awards. A review from Allmusic highlights its enduring quality with a 4.5/5 star rating, underscoring its lasting impact.

➡️ Legacy and Influence

My Son, the Folk Singer set a precedent for subsequent comedic albums by Sherman, including its direct follow-up, My Son, the Celebrity. The album's success demonstrated a significant audience appetite for sophisticated, culturally specific humor delivered through musical parody, influencing subsequent generations of comedic artists.

🎼 Side One

The first side of the vinyl record features a selection of Sherman's signature parodies, drawing from well-known melodies and infusing them with humorous, culturally relevant lyrics.

1. "The Ballad of Harry Lewis" (Parody of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic")
2. "Shake Hands with Your Uncle Max" (Parody of "Dear Old Donegal")
3. "Sir Greenbaum's Madrigal" (Parody of "Greensleeves")
4. "My Zelda" (Parody of "Matilda")
5. "The Streets of Miami" (Parody of "The Streets of Laredo")

🎼 Side Two

Continuing the comedic narrative, the second side presents further musical reinterpretations, showcasing Sherman's wit and his ability to connect with his audience through shared cultural touchstones.

1. "Sarah Jackman" (with Christine Nelson) (Parody of "Frère Jacques")
2. "Jump Down, Spin Around (Pick a Dress o' Cotton)" (Parody of "Pick a Bale of Cotton")
3. "Seltzer Boy" (Parody of "Waterboy")
4. "Oh Boy" (Parody of "Las Chiapanecas")
5. "Shticks and Stones" (Medley of various ditties)

💡 Cultural Puns and References

Sherman's lyrical genius lies in his intricate wordplay and deep understanding of Jewish culture, which he playfully integrates into familiar song structures. Each track offers a unique blend of parody and commentary:

• "The Ballad of Harry Lewis": A parody of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," featuring puns like "His name was Harry Lewis, and he worked for Irving Roth / He died while cutting velvet on a hot July the Fourth." The lyrics humorously lament Harry's demise in the "Drapes of Roth."
• "Shake Hands with Your Uncle Max": Set to "Dear Old Donegal," this song is laden with Jewish surnames ("Blumburger, Schlumberger, Minkus, and Pincus, and Stein with an 'e-i' and Styne with a 'y.'"). It concludes with an Irish accent, referencing the original song's "Shake hands with your Uncle Mike."
• "Sir Greenbaum's Madrigal": A witty take on "Greensleeves," addressing the topic of smoking with lines like "Oh, wouldst I could kick the habit and give up smoting for good." Sir Greenbaum, the medieval knight, laments, "You see, I don't wanna be a knight, that's no job for a boy who is Jewish."
• "My Zelda": A humorous lament set to "Matilda," where the singer laments, "Oh why did she go and fall in love? I haven't seen her since Tisha B'Av!"
• "The Streets of Miami": Parodying "The Streets of Laredo," this narrative recounts a quarrel over lodging at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, culminating in a shooting where the partner, Sam, "crumbled, just like a piece halva."
• "Sarah Jackman": Sung to the tune of "Frère Jacques," this track features a call-and-response format where Sarah Jackman inquires about family members ("How's your sister Emily?", "She got married early."). President John F. Kennedy was reportedly heard singing this song.
• "Seltzer Boy": A parody of "Waterboy," this track is one of several in the medley.
• "Oh Boy": Sherman uses the phrase "Oh Boy" with varying inflections to express different reactions, contrasting luxury items like "Thunderbirds and Cadillacs?" (delighted "Oh Boy!") with the dread of "April fifteenth Income Tax?" (irritated "Oh Boy!").
• "Shticks and Stones": This medley incorporates short, humorous ditties, including parodies of "Jamaica Farewell" ("I'm upside down... because I've got to sell the house in Levittown!"), "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" ("Yasha got a bottle of Geritol... and he knocked a hole in the wall!"), and "The Yellow Rose of Texas" ("I'm Melvin Rose of Texas...").

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