Justin - Song Parody

About the writing

I had a huge mental block on this.  At first I wanted to write a song parody about Zeus and his adulterous ways.  The humor behind a mythology where most of the problems involve the gods’ inability to keep it in their respective togas seemed ripe.  But I just couldn’t get it written.  I finally asked my wife for suggestions and came up with Narcissus singing to his reflection Nothing Compares 2 Me based on the late Prince’s song made famous by Sinead O’Conner.

This song shows the big difference between written and performed poetry.  The rhythm works only in the confines of the tune and without it, it seems meandering and rough.  Regardless, Prince was a poet and so where some phrases fit well I left them (notably the opening line of the first verse and the second of the second.) 

I find the song and the idea humorous.  One of the things I had to consider was that while in the myth Narcissus is staring at his own reflection, he is unaware of it.  So, should I then have him singing “Nothing compares to you” versus “…to me”? I considered this, but found that him exemplifying the mental disorder named after him, at least for the refrain, held more humor.

I doubt “Weird Al” will be recording a set of mythological parodies anytime soon, but I think it would be fun to see what other people might try.  As for font and handling, one should print on 3 x 5 index cards and sing these lyrics at your Greek themed karaoke toga party.

 

Nothing Compares 2 Me- Narcissus

 
It’s been seven hours and fifteen days
Since I found this lovely face
I can’t sleep at night and stare all day
Since I’ve found this lovely face
 
Since I’ve found you there’s nothing more I want
There’s no one I’d rather see
I’ll stay here till I grow weak and gaunt
Because of you
You’re the only thing as fine as me
 
And nothing compares
Nothing compares 2 me
 
I’d been so lonely ‘til I met you
Like a bird without a song
Though you don’t speak you just stare back at me
Tell me baby how could we go wrong
 
I could go with all the girls that hit on me
But they’re not as pretty as us
A man walked by and guess what he told me
Guess what he told me
He said “Son you need to get away from that reflecting pool”
But he’s a fool
 
‘Cause nothing compares
Nothing compares 2 me
 
All the flowers Gaia planted
In the whole world
All fade when I look your way
I know that I should leave and find a girl
But none could ever catch my eye
 
Nothing compares
Nothing compares 2 me
Nothing compares
Nothing compares 2 me
Nothing compares
Nothing compares 2 me