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Song Parodies -> "The Parodist's Dilemma (or How to Succeed without Really Dying)"

Original Song Title:

"I Only Want to Be With You"

 (MP3)
Original Performer:

Dusty Springfield

Parody Song Title:

"The Parodist's Dilemma (or How to Succeed without Really Dying)"

Parody Written by:

Warren Baker

The Lyrics

Just a few simple words for newbies and oldies.
You parody a song you hope that people know
Instead it’s something vague or artist not well known
You pick something poppy, rarely seen
Lyrics from the fringe insure obscurity
No readers bring the blues
Be mindful of the tunes you use.

You know it’s sadder when a song is known to you
While others all around don’t know your favorite tune
Don’t be alarmed now, let’s make a fix
It’s easier to do this than to pound your fist
It’s simple if you choose;
I’m offering advice to you

This is no grand decree
Take it with a grain of salt
Go deep inside the music charts
A catchy tune that bops

And keep it airy

Seize a moment, take a breath, and then exhale
Go find yourself a short song, and begin your tale
Now you’re writing something people read
Then you’re writing words to Freddie’s rhapsody
Go find yourself a groove,
The readers will be thanking you

Your words will resonate
Fame will call and soon romance
You’ll step into its soothing charms
You’ll make a big advance

(and maybe money)

Once you have indulged the classics, change the pace
Indulge the esoteric tastes you still embrace
With your reputation, greatly grown
Better since you dove into the better known
The people will read you,
They’ll simply want to sing your tune

The people, the people will read you
They’ll simply want to sing your tune

(Amazing, amazing but who knew?
I wrote a song that’s read by you.)
More sage advice...or is that parsley...I guess it depends on the thyme...anywhoo...more of this stuff can be found on the Blog that only my wife reads; The Blogging Baker. Of couse there are the occassional readers who drop by thinking it's a blog on cooking...

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 LittleLots
Matches Pace of
Original Song: 
How Funny: 
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Voting Results

 
Pacing: 4.7
How Funny: 4.6
Overall Rating: 5.0

Total Votes: 7

Voting Breakdown

The following represent how many people voted for each category.

    Pacing How Funny Overall Rating
 1   0
 0
 0
 
 2   0
 1
 0
 
 3   0
 0
 0
 
 4   2
 0
 0
 
 5   5
 6
 7
 

User Comments

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Mark Scotti - June 28, 2010 - Report this comment
A singing rulebook! Inspired, Warren!
Christie Marie M - June 28, 2010 - Report this comment
I enjoyed reading parodies about parodies! I was on a writers' slump for awhile but, wrote one on Taco Bell for today. As for obscure OS', the most obscure artist I use to spoof songs are from Devon Werkheiser (former Nickelodeon actor of Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide). Anyways, here's 5's!
WarrenB - June 28, 2010 - Report this comment
Thanks Mark and Christie. And you can also tip your hats to TT and Guy for part of the inspiration. As to an obscure artist? Hmmm. I would probably go with Bruce Cockburn...1 minor hit, but he's still artisting. Although, I think you've got me beat on that one Christie!
Guy - June 28, 2010 - Report this comment
Warren - You have me at a disadvantage - what did I do to inspire you? Whatever it was thanks for the nod - I always like to help and it makes me feel good. I have done some obscure OSes that no one ever attempted. One is Sail On by "The Commodores" and another that I did twice was "Hide in Your Shell" by Super Tramp" to name but two.

I have written over 930 parodies and I have never seen one red cent for it. So why the line in the middle that says:

(and maybe money)

Please tell me the secret. I'd like to make real fives, youo know, "saw bucks". instead of cyber fives in vote form. Nice parody here. I like it.
WarrenB - June 28, 2010 - Report this comment
Thanks Guy. When I put out my Rocky Horror/Harry Potter parody, you mentioned you weren't familiar with the song, just as TT did. And it got me to thinking about TT's comment about writing accessible parodies with well known music. And I've seen comments about using well known music in the past, so I decided to write some 'guidelines' based on my novice experience and what I've read from old timers.
If I knew how to get some cash out of this gig, I would happily share the trick. Right now, it's just getting published on AIM and getting feedback. And I'm good with that right now!
Guy - June 29, 2010 - Report this comment
Ah yes, WB, I remember those comments now. Much appreciate that you selected an oldie for us grumpy OLDer men. =;-)
Michael Pacholek - June 29, 2010 - Report this comment
Good advice from Baker to the half-baked. Not that I'm mentioning names, but, let's face it, most Amirighters aren't exactly intimately familiar with theme songs from anime shows and other Far Eastern hits.
Bilbopooh - June 29, 2010 - Report this comment
I often veer toward the obscure myself; good reminder to throw in some hits too! Nicely done!
WarrenB - June 29, 2010 - Report this comment
Thanks Michael. Just like I wrote, it helps to write the ones that people know, but just like any advice from a guy that no one knows except through the magic of the internet, take it with a grain of salt.
Thanks, Bilbo. I find myself wanting to gravitate toward the obsucre, but if it's something I really want people to read, a popular tune often works best. Again, welcome back!
Tommy Turtle - June 30, 2010 - Report this comment
See? It *is* a fun tune to do! .. Now, just get more familiar with it. Third, and sometimes, fourth, lines of main stanzas were often a syllable short. Won't nit-pick the bridges, because Dusty herself varies them a bit from version to version.

No reason to single out more details, unless you want them. (or you can email.) Good advice. 455, and welcome to the world of Dusty!

(and I'm sure you came up with the theme and concept independently, despite having read, v'd, and c'd TT's "DKTOS" -- if not, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery ;-)
WarrenB - June 30, 2010 - Report this comment
TT- I knew you'd catch that! Thanks, TT for the read, and I'll be in touch.

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