Political Science (song)
Encyclopedia
"Political Science" is a song written and performed by singer-songwriter Randy Newman
on his 1972 album, Sail Away
. In going along with the theme of the rest of the album, the song is a satire of a particular part of American culture and history
, namely its foreign policies
at the time
. It is sung from the point of view of an unnamed narrator who thinks very highly of the United States
and its culture. He admits the US is not perfect, but wonders why even “our old friends put us down”, especially since “we give them money”. The narrator goes on to say that the US should “drop the big one
” on the rest of the world, which he rationalizes with humorously simplistic reasons (“Asia's crowded and Europe's too old/Africa is far too hot/And Canada's too cold”.) Finally, the narrator describes the utopia that would occur once the US had bombed everyone (except Australia), saying, “oh how peaceful it would be/we'd set everybody free”, thus demonstrating through absurdity the horror that ethnocentrism
can result in.
In recent years, artists including Don Henley
, Pedro the Lion
, Glen Phillips
and Wilco
have performed live covers of this song. In October 2006, Newman performed the song for The Colbert Report's audience after being interviewed by Stephen Colbert. Newman also rerecorded the song for his 2003 release The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 1
. The song is also performed in an episode of Ally McBeal
by Jennifer Holliday
. "Political Science" is prominently performed by Mr. Newman on the final credits of the 1999 film Blast from the Past
.
Randy Newman
Randall Stuart "Randy" Newman is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, composer, and pianist who is known for his mordant pop songs and for film scores....
on his 1972 album, Sail Away
Sail Away (Randy Newman album)
-Personnel:* Randy Newman - arranger, composer, piano, vocals* Ry Cooder - guitars on "Last Night I Had a Dream" & "You Can Leave Your Hat On"* Russ Titelman - guitars* Jim Keltner - drums* Gene Parsons - drums* Earl Palmer - drums* Chris Ethridge - bass...
. In going along with the theme of the rest of the album, the song is a satire of a particular part of American culture and history
History of the United States
The history of the United States traditionally starts with the Declaration of Independence in the year 1776, although its territory was inhabited by Native Americans since prehistoric times and then by European colonists who followed the voyages of Christopher Columbus starting in 1492. The...
, namely its foreign policies
Foreign relations of the United States
The United States has formal diplomatic relations with most nations. The United States federal statutes relating to foreign relations can be found in Title 22 of the United States Code.-Pacific:-Americas:-Caribbean:...
at the time
History of the United States (1964–1980)
The history of the United States from 1964 through 1980 includes the climax and collapse of the African American Civil Rights Movement; the escalation and ending of the Vietnam War; the drama of a generational revolt with its sexual freedoms and use of drugs; and the continuation of the Cold War,...
. It is sung from the point of view of an unnamed narrator who thinks very highly of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and its culture. He admits the US is not perfect, but wonders why even “our old friends put us down”, especially since “we give them money”. The narrator goes on to say that the US should “drop the big one
Nuclear weapon
A nuclear weapon is an explosive device that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions, either fission or a combination of fission and fusion. Both reactions release vast quantities of energy from relatively small amounts of matter. The first fission bomb test released the same amount...
” on the rest of the world, which he rationalizes with humorously simplistic reasons (“Asia's crowded and Europe's too old/Africa is far too hot/And Canada's too cold”.) Finally, the narrator describes the utopia that would occur once the US had bombed everyone (except Australia), saying, “oh how peaceful it would be/we'd set everybody free”, thus demonstrating through absurdity the horror that ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism is the tendency to believe that one's ethnic or cultural group is centrally important, and that all other groups are measured in relation to one's own. The ethnocentric individual will judge other groups relative to his or her own particular ethnic group or culture, especially with...
can result in.
In recent years, artists including Don Henley
Don Henley
Donald Hugh "Don" Henley is an American singer, songwriter and drummer, best known as a founding member of the Eagles before launching a successful solo career. Henley was the drummer and lead vocalist for the Eagles from 1971–1980, when the band broke up...
, Pedro the Lion
Pedro the Lion
Pedro the Lion was an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. Singer-songwriter David Bazan formed the band in 1995 and represented its main creative force, backed by a varying rotation of collaborating musicians. T. W. Walsh is considered to be the sole official band member besides Bazan. In...
, Glen Phillips
Glen Phillips
Glen Phillips is a songwriter, lyricist, singer and guitarist. He is best known as the singer and songwriter of 1990s alternative rock group Toad the Wet Sprocket.-Personal life:...
and Wilco
Wilco
Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo following singer Jay Farrar's departure. Wilco's lineup has changed frequently, with only singer Jeff Tweedy and bassist John...
have performed live covers of this song. In October 2006, Newman performed the song for The Colbert Report's audience after being interviewed by Stephen Colbert. Newman also rerecorded the song for his 2003 release The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 1
The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 1
The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 1 contains newly recorded, stripped down versions of some of Newman's best known songs, performed by Randy Newman singing and playing the piano without accompaniment....
. The song is also performed in an episode of Ally McBeal
Ally McBeal
Ally McBeal is an American legal comedy-drama series which aired on the Fox network from 1997 to 2002. The series was created by David E. Kelley, who also served as the executive producer, along with Bill D'Elia...
by Jennifer Holliday
Jennifer Holliday
Jennifer-Yvette Holliday is an African-American singer and Tony Award-winning actress. She started her career on Broadway in musicals such as Dreamgirls, and later became a successful recording artist...
. "Political Science" is prominently performed by Mr. Newman on the final credits of the 1999 film Blast from the Past
Blast From the Past (film)
Blast from the Past is a 1999 romantic comedy film based on a story and directed by Hugh Wilson and starring Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, Christopher Walken, Sissy Spacek, and Dave Foley.-Plot:...
.