While I know Gershwin is not the first name that springs to mind when thinking about biting social commentary, I can't help but adore their song "The Back Bay Polka". I've lived there for going on a year, and the more time I spend here the less I enjoy the vaguely puritanical atmosphere I find. An example: I couldn't find a place to eat that was open at 10:00 on a Saturday night. That sort of nonsense wouldn't fly in Philadelphia, let me tell you, no sir! (Except in my neighborhood, those lame asses.) Anyway, the song goes something like this:
Give up the fond embrace,
Pass up that pretty face;
You're of the human race --
But not in Boston.
Think as your neighbors think,
Make lemonade your drink;
You'll be the Missing Link --
If you don't wear spats in Boston.
Books that are out of key
We quickly bury;
You will find liberty
In Mr. Webster's dictionary.
New York or Philadelph'
Won't put you on the shelf
If you would be yourself --
But you can't be yourself in Boston.
You can't be yourself,
You can't be yourself,
You can't be yourself in Boston.
And then it goes on for another two verses. In conclusion, I'm looking for some folk to help me stop identifying with this song. Here's hoping this is a good place to search.
Give up the fond embrace,
Pass up that pretty face;
You're of the human race --
But not in Boston.
Think as your neighbors think,
Make lemonade your drink;
You'll be the Missing Link --
If you don't wear spats in Boston.
Books that are out of key
We quickly bury;
You will find liberty
In Mr. Webster's dictionary.
New York or Philadelph'
Won't put you on the shelf
If you would be yourself --
But you can't be yourself in Boston.
You can't be yourself,
You can't be yourself,
You can't be yourself in Boston.
And then it goes on for another two verses. In conclusion, I'm looking for some folk to help me stop identifying with this song. Here's hoping this is a good place to search.
VIEW 3 of 3 COMMENTS
Excellent. I definitely recommend it. I may be biased, living over here, but I think we've got it all on this side of the river. And I applaud the bike; I'd die if I didn't have mine. Life is better when you're not beholden to the MBTA. Perhaps we'll see each other zipping about the city
That is bizarre that you wouldn't be able to find a restaurant open that late. I would think Brown Sugar Cafe Fenway would be open, but I could be wrong. Or if it was open, it would be packed, as usual.
As a side note, I love your book selections.