The Old Dope Peddler

Album: Songs by Tom Lehrer (1953)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a very short song, running to less than 2 minutes, including when performed live with a few words of introduction. It remains to be seen if there is or indeed was ever any truth in the drug pusher myth, namely that such men handed out free samples to children hoping that today's young innocents will become tomorrow's clientele, but at least one member of the British Parliament thought so, and on April 19, 1991, Mr. Robert Maclennan (later Baron Maclennan of Rogart) alluded to this song in a debate on the sale of unpackaged cigarettes.

    This was neither the first nor the last time Tom Lehrer's work has been referenced in Hansard, the first being November 10, 1965. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.

Macabre Mother Goose: The Dark Side of Children's Songs

Macabre Mother Goose: The Dark Side of Children's SongsSong Writing

"London Bridge," "Ring Around the Rosie" and "It's Raining, It's Pouring" are just a few examples of shockingly morbid children's songs.

John Parr

John ParrSongwriter Interviews

John tells the "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)" story and explains why he disappeared for so long.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.