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Song Parodies -> "Sing Four Songs"

Original Song Title:

"Sixteen Tons"

Original Performer:

Tennessee Ernie Ford

Parody Song Title:

"Sing Four Songs"

Parody Written by:

Old Man Ribber

The Lyrics

If you've ever been to karaoke, then you've experienced the form of wildlife known as The Karaoke Hero. These creatures will always try to cut into the rotation and perform more than their share of the singing. Many are quite good at ONE selection (some have been known to master as many as four). Most are unduly impressed with themselves and are certain that a talent scout from American Idol will sign them tonight if they can just sing more songs. I offer some wisdom to these wannabes. ;D


Oh if you go singin' karaoke tonight
Please heed my warning or you might start a fight.
'Though you're a hero with the words as your crutch
Be very careful - don't be singing too much!
You just sing four songs - that's more than enough.
Everybody else wants to show off their stuff.
'Though you may be talented - I'll tell you true:
The crowd's not there just to listen to you!

Some night there are forty or more folks in the show.
So you sing your one or two and then home you go.
But on the ev'nings when they have a small house
There will be temptation - so don't be a louse!
You should just sing four - please don't be a freak.
Don't spoil the session with your big ego streak.
You won't be on "Idol" if they catch your act.
No one's gonna sign you to a great big contract!

You may that think you're wonderful - but listen, son.
The karaoke's only meant to be fun.
'Though many can't sing or do stuff you don't like
That's no good reason to be hogging the mike.
You should just sing four - that's plenty of song,
And don't let your ego pick a song that's too long.
Everybody's waiting for their turn - oh my.
Please don't sing Taxi or American Pie!

It will come back to haunt you if you're being crude.
More singing than your share is terribly rude.
Someday the foot will be in the other shoe -
There's somebody somewhere who is better than you!
So just sing four songs - it's more than your share.
'Though you are so impressed the crowd doesn't care.
Let everybody sing - and don't be a pig.
(Slowly and dramatically) If you sing more that four - you should be on a gig!



For the record (no pun intended), I AM a band singer...the primary vocalist of my jazz combo. (To be fair, this is because I can remember words, not due to a great voice.) I always try to do something different at karaoke, often material I've posted here. No matter how small the house, I try to limit my participation to four songs a night. As I told my wife, "Five or more songs is a gig. If I do that many, I expect to get paid!" ;D

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Voting Results

 
Pacing: 4.3
How Funny: 4.5
Overall Rating: 4.5

Total Votes: 11

Voting Breakdown

The following represent how many people voted for each category.

    Pacing How Funny Overall Rating
 1   2
 1
 1
 
 2   0
 0
 0
 
 3   0
 1
 1
 
 4   0
 0
 0
 
 5   9
 9
 9
 

User Comments

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Patrick - August 23, 2010 - Report this comment
Karaoke is Japanese for "I can't sing, but I don't let that stop me". Never tried it myself, but I'd probably want to use my own lyrics. Wouldn't make "American Idol", but heck, with all the old TV shows being revived, maybe I could have a chance at some future incarnation of "The Gong Show".
mark Scotti - August 23, 2010 - Report this comment
Singing your praises in 555 off keys....
2Eagle - August 23, 2010 - Report this comment
I went to a Fab Four performance at the Starlight Bowl and during intermission people in the audience were invited to get on stage and sing Beatle's songs. Whoever got the most applause won a prize. They were better than the way rock stars today sing. P.S. I think TSB is on a rampage today. Somebody get a strait jacket.
AFW - August 23, 2010 - Report this comment
Haven't been around karioke for a while..but from what I remember, this is good advice
WarrenB - August 23, 2010 - Report this comment
3 is my limit. But I'll break that rule and give you 5(s)!
alvin - August 23, 2010 - Report this comment
hilarious.....especially liked the taxi and american pie line
Phil Alexander - August 24, 2010 - Report this comment
Been there... though the guy (/gal) pestering to sing their nineteenth number ain't usually the best at singing, anyway.

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