We'd Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover

All last week during the bailout discussion, I have had the lyrics from a little-known song from the musical Annie stuck in my head. It wasn't in the movie version, so you've probably never heard it -- but it adds more of the backdrop of the Great Depression to the story and serves as a great contrast to Annie's ridiculous optimism. I remember doing this song in community theater, ending in a Shantytown kick line.

In light of the housing crisis and the recent bailout (which Herb Hoover also tried), this tune takes on a new leery meaning for me. Musicals have always told the narrative of different time periods, re-directed and re-told by later generations. I wonder what musicals will say about today? Will the next Rent be Foreclosed? Can we look forward to songs like "No Love for G-Dub" and "The Wall Street Waltz?"

Here is a short clip of a performance of "We'd Like to Thank You," followed by the lyrics:



"We'd Like to Thank You"

[ALL]
Today we're living in a shanty
Today we're scrounging for a meal

[SOPHIE]
Today I'm stealing coal for fires
Who knew i could steal?

[MEN]
I used to winter in the tropics

[WOMEN]
I spent my summers at the shore

[FRED]
I used to throw away the paper--

[ALL]
We'd like to thank you: Herbert Hoover
For really showing us the way
We'd like to thank you: Herbert Hoover
You made us what we are today

Prosperity was 'round the corner
The cozy cottage built for two
In this blue heaven
That you
Gave us
Yes!

We're turning blue!
They offered us Al Smith and Hoover
We paid attention and we chose
Not only did we pay attention
We paid through the nose.

In ev'ry pot he said "a chicken"
But Herbert Hoover he forgot
Not only don't we have the chicken
We ain't got the pot!
Hey Herbie

[WOMEN]
You left behind a grateful nation

[ALL]
So, Herb, our hats are off to you
We're up to here with admiration

[SOPHIE]
Come down and have a little stew

[ALL]
Come down and share some Christmas dinner
Be sure to bring the missus too
We got no turkey for our stuffing
We'd like to thank you, Herbert Hoover
For really showing us the way
You dirty rat, you Bureaucrat, you
Made us what we are today
Come and get it, Herb!