Dark Humor
July 9th, 2009 by John WolfeEven though the following song makes no mention of Halloween, in my mind it has a strong connection to October 31st. The first time I heard Tom Lehrer’s “Masochism Tango” was during my Halloween 2006 prep. I had jumped on You Tube looking for a little Halloween inspiration via “The Addams Family” (I’m a big fan of the movies), when I came across an Addams Family tribute video set to the song.
While that specific montage is no longer available on You Tube, thankfully 6funswede has been given permission to feature Tom’s actual performance. Tom’s comedic delivery of the dark lyrics is genius and his facial expressions (along with the glasses) remind me a lot of Jeff Goldblum. Though this song was done completely tongue in cheek, it had to be extremely racy during the 1960′s! Is it possible Tom was the first goth dude, albeit a “clean-cut” one? 
July 9th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I remember hearing this on the Dr. Demento show in L.A as a kid growing up. (On KMET, a deceased radio station… God< I miss it!)
Great tune. I think he's also the one who sang, "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park."
Good times!
July 9th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
OMG!!! That would have done nicely as my theme song a few years back
This was absolutely brilliant John!!! Now make sure you are seated my dear friend because I’m about to confess something to you……ready…..I have never once heard of this song in my entire lifetime, not once. Shock, I know 
You would have thought it was song to me a few years back but Noooooooo, first time I heard it. Love the lyrics big time, love the way Tom sings it and adore his character as he sings it. What an adorable find. This video will no doubt be played quite a few times over the weekend 
Oh, I was going through some photos of my place with a friend back in 2005 and absolutely grabbed my notebook when I saw what I did in my BEDROOM!!!!! I’ve had a strange feeling about that bedroom for sometime now and now I know why. Not only was the room littered with orbs of all size but a “ghost” like figure appeared at the doorway in 2 photos that were taken. I was stunned and don’t ya know started taking pics on the spot and running my video recorder. Get this, unlike the “gate-keeper” who’s spirit was blackish, this one in the bedroom is very white and rather large. Hmmmmmm, curious……..had to share that with ya.
All My Best Darling, Goldie~*~
July 10th, 2009 at 10:11 am
I have not heard this for years! I used to have a soundbite of this on my computer. Thanks for sharing this memory
July 10th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Oh, hey Sweetie, I forgot to tell you, I found a 3 year old Halloween enthusiast and no it’s not T though she loved the scarecrow game up until our very last night together. Memories. Anyways, she’s 3 years old and one of her favorite all time movies is The Nightmare Before Christmas so she put together some of her favorites pics of the two main characters. I should say that nana had a little help in it but all the inspiration was from this little girl. I sent it to your SOS youtube page. I hope your feeling better
Start ‘em young ‘ey John?
July 13th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
ShellHawk,
Great to hear from you again! I’ve heard of Dr. Demento, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard the program – that’s a good one for me to look up. You’re absolutely right about Tom singing about pigeons as well, however, of all his music, I’m still partial to the tango.
Goldie,
I thought this may strike a few chords with you!
That was when I first began my fixation with Halloween and the paranormal – probably around age three – never too young for Halloween.
Ghoul Friday,
It was my pleasure – glad it brought back fond memories.
July 21st, 2009 at 2:59 pm
THat made my day! Thanks for sharing! And yes, I do see how it relates to Halloween in a way.