(Composed by Reynold D. Philipsek 1998 copyright Zino-Rephi Music BMI)
Vocal, guitars, drums and primitive harmonica by Reynold
Bass by Luke Kramer
Recorded by Stymie Seamans
My favorite writer (by far) is humorist S. J. Perelman (1904-1979). In another life I will (perhaps) endeavor to be a writer of that sort. I could have “eyes for that” as Lester Young used to say. I have tried my hand at that sort of thing periodically. The results are largely second-rate Perelman. And by saying “second-rate” I am probably boasting. My cornucopia of badinage and witty quips seemed to always dissipate by the second page.
I have written a few songs where I attempt to make “funny” and “No Nothing” is one such song. It’s difficult to write funny songs and aside from Randy Newman and Loudon Wainwright I can’t think of many who can really pull it off.
I wrote the song long enough ago that the lyric starts with “I went to see the doctor” but these days “I went to see the doctor” would be more on point. As poet Donald Hall said aging is “a carnival of losses” and that’s what this song is all about. There is also a certain “swampiness” to the recording that I like.
I hope this song brings a little New Year levity your way.
By the way, if you have never read Perelman please do yourself a favor and do so.
Be kind.
Love,
Reyn