Disorder in The House
Time to duck and cover
Helicopters hover over rough terrain
Disorder in The House
Reptile wisdom
Zombies on the lawn staggering around
Disorder in The House
There's a flaw in the system
And the fly in the ointment's gonna bring the whole thing down
The floodgates are open
We've let the demons loose
The big guns have spoken
And we've fallen for the ruse
It's the home of the brave and the land of the free
Where the less you know, the better off you'll be
~ Warren Zevon and Jorge Calderon
Yes, I took editorial liberties by capitalizing The House. I do not believe Warren would mind.
Warren Zevon's last album, The Wind, was released two weeks before his death on September 7, 2003. It's a brilliant combination of songs that celebrate Zevon's humor and songs that will break your heart, pouring from the emotional depths of a dying man. "Disorder in the House," which features Bruce Springsteen on guitar and back-up vocals, won a 2003 Grammy for "Best Rock Vocal Performance (Group or Duo)."
I would guess that by now, my loyal readers would know why I selected these lyrics. But just to be sure, instead of my repetitive discourse on the subject at large, I have decided to give you a pop quiz. (Ever the teacher.) Keep your eyes on your own paper and no talking.
1. To what does "duck and cover" refer? Any reason to think the term might become relevant again?
2. Define "reptile wisdom." And who/what are those zombies staggering around on the (White House) lawn?
3. A "fly in the ointment" refers to a minor irritation that spoils the success or enjoyment of something. If you could christen the fly, what would you name him/her?
4. Name three demons that have been let loose and two big guns that have spoken.
(Rachel, stop looking at Jack's paper.)
5. True or false: "The less you know, the better off you'll be." Defend your answer.
Sorry, I am not collecting your papers. I gave up grading them a long time ago. And the U.S. Department of Education is history, anyway.
Class dismissed.
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