So picture a folk festival on a Sunday morning, where the most prominent event is the bluegrass gospel sing at the main stage (or maybe in the big dance tent as at Hiawatha), and there you sit at the campsite because you’re not the bluegrass gospel sort. Perhaps you’re atheist. And once again you’re struck by the incontrovertable fact that some of the world’s most beautiful music, from Bach (J.S.) to Monroe (Bill), has been composed with an intended message that doesn’t work for you. And no one, but no one, has composed anything you can sing*. Until now.
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers present the complete Hymnal for Atheists: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFWA1A9XFi8
Not only is it hilarious, it’s spot-on musically.
P.S. Don’t bother reading the comments on the YouTube page. There’s a whole lot of people who missed the point there, and whatever side you’re on, they’ll only upset you.
* OK, maybe that’s a little hyperbole. There’s probably songs out there for atheists. I’m almost certain they won’t be this funny, though.
AWESOME! Thank you, O Favorite Furry Folkie!
It is awesome. Steve Martin is … well, any superlatives failed to keep up with him years ago.
Ooh, I look forward to listening to that. Another good singer-songwriter for atheists is Tim Minchin.
I’ve heard the name … I’ll have to take a listen. Seems likely to cause laughter, and that’s nearly always good.