Ben's Songs

An American Jewish urban legend tells of an immigrant whose name was changed to "Sean Ferguson" because he or his mother answered a clerk's query with "Shoyn fargesen!", which is Yiddish for "I have forgotten!" — which isn't likely to have really happened, because immigration clerks are not quite that easily fooled. But an angel, especially one of a Chelmish persuasion (meaning: critically lacking in practical wisdom), just might be — which would be a problem, especially if the angel is supposed to be looking after an Irish immigrant whose name really is Sean Ferguson.

The protagonist, Reuven aka Robert (not Sean Ferguson!) is named for my mother's father of blessed memory, who often told his children and grandchildren silly stories of this sort.

by Benjamin Newman

after "Disobedience" by A.A. Milne

listen to this poem

 

Smith of Wootton Major, one of J.R.R. Tolkien's lesser-known works, is a strange and haunting novella about a man who journeys in Faery and seemingly suffers no ill effects just from being there (although he does get into trouble at points). Having journeyed in Faery myself — and not without serious consequences! — that story stands as an inspiration and aspiration. Tom Smith's original song suggested itself some time ago as a tune to fit this tale.

lyrics by Benjamin Newman

ttto: "I Want to Be Peter Lorre" by Tom Smith

listen to this song
 

What if May Day, but more cyberpunk?  Pun very much intended.

lyrics by Benjamin Newman

ttto: "Merry May Folk" by Arthur Hinds

 

lyrics by Benjamin Newman, after an idea from the Philcon 2003 open filk

ttto: "Charlie on the MTA"

 

lyrics by Meredith and Pete Gast, Alice Hunter, Barbara Wilkins, Nat Budin, and Ben Newman

ttto: "The Horse-Tamer's Daughter" by Leslie Fish