One of the big news items of the past year concerned the fact that China, which we call Red China, exploded a nuclear bomb, which we called a device. Then Indonesia announced that it was gonna have one soon, and proliferation became the word of the day. Here's a song about that.

First we got the bomb and that was good,
'Cause we love peace and motherhood.
Then Russia got the bomb, but that's O.K.,
'Cause the balance of power's maintained that way!
Who's next?

France got the bomb, but don't you grieve,
'Cause they're on our side (I believe).
China got the bomb, but have no fearst
They can't wipe us out for at least five years!
Who's next?

Then Indonesia claimed that they
Were gonna get one any day.
South Africa wants two, that's right:
One for the black and one for the white!
Who's next?

Egypt's gonna get one, too,
Just to use on you know who.
So Israel's getting tense,
Wants one in self defense.
"The Lord's our shepherd," says the psalm,
But just in case, we better get a bomb!
Who's next?

Luxembourg is next to go
And, who knows, maybe Monaco.
We'll try to stay serene and calm
When Alabama gets the bomb!
Who's next, who's next, who's next?
Who's next?


Lyrics submitted by prayingmantis84

Who's Next? Lyrics as written by Tom Lehrer

Lyrics © Public Domain

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Who's Next? song meanings
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  • +1
    General Comment

    1965 Song. Fortunately it didn't come true (or so we think) apart from Israel really did get the bomb. The other countries claimed they stopped, but you're never quite sure. The reference to "at least five years" is a joke about the chinese "five year plans", meaning that they do everything in five years no more no less. Alabama is mentioned because it's apparently full of nutters who are "christian fundamentalists" who advocate polygamy and "faith healing" and are generally insane.

    Occams_Harmonyon May 09, 2006   Link

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