Bright College Days

Album: More Of Tom Lehrer (1959)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The up-tempo verses of the song parody Yale University's "Whiffenpoof Song." Lehrer omitted the verses from published sheet music to avoid potential legal hassles.
  • On the live album An Evening Wasted With Tom Lehrer, there are a couple of instances of audience laughter that are unexplained to the listener. After the line "To thee we sing with our glasses raised on high," Lehrer would "toast" with his eyeglasses. After the line "Soon we'll be sliding down the razor blade of life," Lehrer would rub his buttocks in mock pain. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Sean - Chicago, IL, for above 2

Comments: 3

  • Helgabono from CalifornicationFabulous song by a brilliant observer of the ridiculousness of people, as demonstrated by Jay.
  • Howard from St. Louis Park, Mn One line I remember is "Turn on the spigot, pour the beer and swig it. Engaudeams igit it-ur.' That was clever songwriting at its finest.
  • Jay from Brooklyn, NyI'm a little disappointed at your selection of Tom Lehrer songs. You should include such warped classics as "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park", "I Hold Your Hand in Mine", and "My Home Town." Tom Lehrer is a sick and disturbed man and this song and "Boston" do not nearly demonstrate to unknowing readers the level of his madness.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.