Archive for the ‘Music Humor & Verse’ Category
Monday, August 16th, 2010
I hope you’ll join me in writing a limerick with this first line:
A diva was slammed in the news…
Here’s mine:
Bad News Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A diva was slammed in the news.
The column was chock full of boos.
It lambasted her voice
And her musical choice.
Now that woman is singing the blues.
Please feel free to write your own limerick using the same first line and post it in my comments. And if you’re on Facebook, I hope you’ll join my friends in that same activity in my Limerick-Offs.
Tags: Bad News Humor, Blues Limerick, Diva Humor, Media Limerick, Music Limerick, Musical Verse, Poetry & Prompts, Prima Donnas, Reviews, Singers, Writing Prompts
Posted in Limerick & Haiku Prompts, Limerick-Offs, Limericks, Media Humor, Music Humor & Verse, Poetry & Prompts, Publicity Humor | 20 Comments »
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
I hope you’ll join me in writing a limerick with this first line:
A woman who worked for her dad…
Here’s mine:
Family Business
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A woman who worked for her dad
Sure needed that job really bad.
Though she did have a skill,
Most employers don’t thrill
At a waitress who’s mastered her Strad.
Please feel free to write your own limerick using the same first line and post it in my comments. And if you’re on Facebook, I hope you’ll join my friends in that same activity in my Limerick-Offs.
Update: Happy National Waiters and Waitresses Day! (May 21)
Update 2: Happy National Violin Day! (December 13)
Tags: December Holidays, Employment Humor, Family & Relatives Humor, Family Businesses, May Holidays, Money Poems, Musical Instruments Humor, Musical Verse, National Waiters and Waitresses Day, Odd Holidays, Poetry & Prompts, Restaurants, Strad, Stradivarius Violins, Violins, Waitress Humor, Workplace Poetry, Writing Prompts
Posted in Family & Relatives Humor, Family Verse, Food & Drink Humor, Limerick & Haiku Prompts, Limerick-Offs, Limericks, Music Humor & Verse, Odd Holidays, Poetry & Prompts, Workplace & Career Humor | 26 Comments »
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
I’m not exactly a sports aficionado. But I’m guessing it’s safe to presume that most games are expected to be noisy.
Apparently, though, South African soccer fans take such noise to a new ear-piercing level, enthusiastically blowing vuvuzelas in the stadiums. What’s a vuvuzela? Well, I know from oboes, but not from vuvuzelas. However, I’ve just learned they’re cacophonous, droning, deafening horns (blown like a brass instrument) that are driving TV World Cup viewers insane.
Vive Vuvuzelas? Please, No! (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Attempting to watch World Cup soccer?
Then you’re likely to go off your rocker:
Vuvuzelas abound
With their loud, droning sound.
They are deafening. Help! Need a blocker!
Tags: Brass Players, Football Humor, Hearing Loss, June Holidays, Musical Instruments, Noise Humor, Soccer Fans, Soccer Stadiums, South Africa, Sports Humor, Television Limerick, Vuvuzela, World Cup
Posted in Anxiety & Stress, Health & Medical Humor, Health Verse, Limericks, Mental Health Humor, Music Humor & Verse, Sports Humor, Television (TV) Humor | 9 Comments »
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
I hope you’ll join me in writing a limerick with this first line:
A pompous conductor named Clyde…
Here’s the limerick I wrote with that line. (It’s a two-verser, but a standard one-verse limerick is fine, of course.)
Pompous Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A pompous conductor named Clyde
Was worshipped by fans far and wide.
But his beat was unclear
And he had a bad ear,
So the orchestra cheered when he died.
I suppose such behavior is rude
And betrays an extremely bad ‘tude.
But I can not abide
Bad conductors like Clyde
Whose conducting deserves to be booed.
Please feel free to write your own limerick using the same first line and post it in my comments. And if you’re on Facebook, I hope you’ll join my friends in that same activity in my Limerick-Offs.
Note: I have lots more music humor here.
Tags: Conducting Humor, Death Limerick, Music Limerick, Poetry & Prompts, Symphony Orchestra Humor, Writing Prompts
Posted in Limerick & Haiku Prompts, Limerick-Offs, Limericks, Music Humor & Verse, Poetry & Prompts | 26 Comments »
Friday, May 28th, 2010
Another American Idol season has come to a close and, once again, the wrong contestant won. Yes, the nervous guy, Lee DeWyze is the new American Idol, besting beating out the far superior singer, Crystal Bowersox. I’m disappointed, but not surprised. Why am I not surprised? I explain in my latest two-verse limerick:
American Idol’s Problem … Crystallized
By Madeleine Begun Kane
American Idol is done,
And sadly, the weaker guy won.
The Bowersox voice
Was a far better choice.
Crystal’s vocals sure hit a home run.
And here’s what has made me quite vexed:
It’s the power of youngsters who text.
They have time on their hands
To be diligent fans
And decide who will win the crown next.
Tags: American Idol, Contestants, Crystal Bowersox, Fans, Fox TV Humor, Lee DeWyze, Music Humor & Verse, Music Limerick, Simon Cowell, Singing Voice, Talent Contests, Television Review, Texting, Youngsters
Posted in Celebrity Humor, Entertainment Humor, Limericks, Media Humor, Music Humor & Verse, Television (TV) Humor | Comments Off on American Idol’s Problem … Crystallized
Thursday, May 20th, 2010
I hope you’ll join me in writing a limerick with this first line:
A brassy old woman named Joan…
Here’s the limerick I wrote with that line. (It’s a three-verser, but a standard one-verse limerick is fine, of course.)
Brassy Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A brassy old woman named Joan
Loves the trumpet, but hates the trombone.
When people ask why
She says, “Married a guy
Who played bone with a terrible tone.”
She continues, “He made my head ache,
And he played it all night, for God’s sake.
I divorced him on grounds
Of cacophonic sounds.
Then I wed a French horn-playing rake.”
“He cheated on me day and night.
So I fin’ly said, go fly a kite!
Now I’m single again
And I’ll never date men
Who play brass, cuz those guys ain’t polite.”
Please feel free to write your own limerick using the same first line and post it in my comments. And if you’re on Facebook, I hope you’ll join my friends in that same activity in my Limerick-Offs.
Tags: Brass Players, Divorce Humor, French Horn, Marriage Limerick, Music Humor & Verse, Musical Instruments, Poetry & Prompts, Trombone, Trumpet, Writing Prompts
Posted in Limerick & Haiku Prompts, Limerick-Offs, Limericks, Marriage Humor, Music Humor & Verse, Poetry & Prompts, Relationship Humor | 25 Comments »
Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
When I posted my Cher limerick last weekend, I promised more limerick reviews of Las Vegas shows. So here’s my love limerick to the Beatles-inspired Cirque du Soleil show LOVE.
Mad About LOVE
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Once again, I must say hip-hooray
To the wonderful Cirque du Soleil.
It’s spectacle LOVE
Is a few cuts above.
Like the Beatles? Then see it today.
While I’m on the subject of Cirque Du Soleil, hubby Mark and I saw “O,” Mystere, and Zumanity on previous trips. “O” and Mystere were great, but we both disliked Zumanity.
Tags: Beatles, Celebrities, Cher, Cirque Du Soleil, Entertainment Limerick, Las Vegas, Music Humor & Verse, Reviews, Singers, Travel
Posted in Celebrity Humor, Entertainment Humor, Leisure Time Humor, Limericks, Music Humor & Verse, Public Figures, Theater Reviews, Travel Humor, Vacation Humor | 1 Comment »
Monday, May 3rd, 2010
I hope you’ll join me in writing a limerick with this first line:
An eccentric soprano named Brett…
Here’s the limerick I wrote with that line. (It’s a three-verser, but a standard one-verse limerick is fine, of course.)
Operatic Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
An eccentric soprano named Brett
Auditioned to sing at the Met.
Her Lucia was bad,
So the maestro got mad
And attempted to throw her off set.
She screamed, “You do not know the score.
I was meant to perform Lammermoor.
The problem’s your flute,
And my voice is a beaut!
Your reviewers will call me top drawer.”
“You shall never perform on this stage,”
The conductor replied, red with rage.
“Your coloratura
Is missing bravura.
And your farts! You belong in a cage!”
Please feel free to write your own limerick using the same first line and post it in my comments. And if you’re on Facebook, I hope you’ll join my friends in that same activity in my Limerick-Offs.
Related Post: Guide To The Opera Impaired
UPDATE: Opera Day is February 8.
Tags: Audition Humor, Eccentrics, February Holidays, Flute, Music Humor & Verse, Odd Holidays, Opera Companies, Opera Day, Opera Humor, Poetry & Prompts, Singing Humor, Writing Prompts
Posted in Limerick & Haiku Prompts, Limerick-Offs, Limericks, Music Humor & Verse, Odd Holidays, Poetry & Prompts | 21 Comments »
Sunday, May 2nd, 2010
Sorry to have been so quiet lately. I’ve been traveling — family stuff in Dallas, followed by a wonderful vacation in Las Vegas.
Here’s the first in a short series of limerick show reviews:
Limerick Ode To Cher
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The singer and actress named Cher
Looks amazingly good nearly bare.
Her singing is great.
Her show is first rate.
And costumes? Elton John should beware.
Tags: Actresses, Celebrities, Cher, Elton John, Entertainment Limerick, Fashion Verse, Las Vegas, Music Humor & Verse, Reviews, Singers, Travel
Posted in Celebrity Humor, Entertainment Humor, Fashion Humor, Leisure Time Humor, Music Humor & Verse, Public Figures, Theater Reviews, Travel Humor, Vacation Humor | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
I hope you’ll join me in writing a limerick with this first line:
A symphony cellist named Kate…
Here’s the limerick I wrote with that line. (It’s a two-verser, but a standard one-verse limerick is fine, of course.)
Musical Chairs
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A symphony cellist named Kate
Shares her stand with a man, once her mate.
Though they play well in sync,
She thinks him a fink
And longs for his move out of state.
But orchestra jobs are quite rare,
And he can’t find a gig on a dare.
Sadly, neither can she,
So together they’ll be
Making music. At least she’s first chair.
Please feel free to write your own limerick using the same first line and post it in my comments. And if you’re on Facebook, I hope you’ll join my friends in that same activity in my Limerick-Offs.
Tags: Cello Humor, Divorce Humor, Marriage Limerick, Music Humor & Verse, Poetry & Prompts, Symphony Orchestra Humor, Symphony Verse, Writing Prompts
Posted in Limerick & Haiku Prompts, Limerick-Offs, Limericks, Marriage Humor, Music Humor & Verse, Poetry & Prompts | 13 Comments »
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
I just realized that today, March 25th, is the birthday of one of my favorite singer/song-writers, the great Sir Elton Hercules John.
I still have vivid, wonderful memories of the day so many years ago when hubby Mark and I saw Elton John perform in New York’s Central Park, outrageous duck costume and all.
Birthday Limerick For Elton John
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Happy birthday, dear Elton H. John.
Love your tunes and your duck suit. Sing on!
You can never go wrong
With a Taupin-teamed song.
Yes, your music’s a sine qua non.
Tags: Bernie Taupin, Celebrity Birthdays, Central Park, Elton John, March Holidays, Popular Music
Posted in Celebrity Humor, Limericks, Music Humor & Verse, Public Figures | 1 Comment »
Sunday, February 14th, 2010
As I’ve mentioned previously, Comix is one of my favorite New York City comedy clubs. And it sure didn’t disappoint Friday night when we saw the hilarious Ted Alexandro and “Friends” Pete Dominick, Joe Derosa, and Morgan Murphy.
Headliner Alexandro, a former elementary school music teacher, was the highlight of the evening. I love his comic sensibility, his pacing and his fearless use of silence. But hubby Mark and I also enjoyed the other comedians, especially Morgan Murphy, who somehow manages to sound both depressed and funny at the same time.
Getting back to Alexandro, in one segment of his routine Alexandro waxes funny about teaching little kids the recorder (presumably the children’s version, known as a flutophone.)
This comedy bit inspired me (an oboe performance major who once taught the oboe) to write a limerick in honor of Alexandro’s transition from music teacher to standup comic:
Limerick Ode To Ted Alexandro
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A funny young fellow named Ted,
Who majored in musical ed,
Taught kiddies recorduh.
An instrument? Sorta.
But now he’s a comic, instead.
UPDATE: Ted Alexandro inspired me to write him another limerick when he joined the Wall Street protests.
Tags: Comedy Limerick, Comix, Elementary School Music, Flutophone, Joe Derosa, Morgan Murphy, Musical Verse, New York City, Oboe Humor, Pete Dominick, Recorder, Ted Alexandro
Posted in Comedy Club Reviews, Entertaining New Yorkers, Entertainment Humor, Limericks, Music Humor & Verse, New York Limericks & Haiku, Night On The Town, Public Figures, Standup Comics | Comments Off on Limerick Ode To Ted Alexandro
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
“Insult judge” Simon Cowell is leaving American Idol at the end of this season. How will I ever survive?
Simon, Say It Ain’t So! (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Simon, your snark’s sometimes mean,
But on Idol you’re surely the dean.
Your vocal critiques
Are the smartest most weeks.
Will I watch it post-Cowell? Not keen!
Tags: American Idol, Fox TV Humor, Music Limerick, Simon Cowell, Talent Contests
Posted in Celebrity Humor, Limericks, Music Humor & Verse, Television (TV) Humor | 1 Comment »
Friday, November 27th, 2009
Every few years, my husband and I take ballroom dancing classes. We never make much progress, but we do have a good time. Except, of course, for the bruised limbs … and egos.
I’m celebrating our latest lesson attempt with a two-part limerick:
We Don’t Think We Can Dance, But We Do It Anyway
By Madeleine Begun Kane
My husband and I like to dance.
Are we good? Oh no way — not a chance.
I am not being humble
In saying we stumble
And often trip over our pants.
But we’re working on rumba and swing.
Plan a do-over class in the spring.
And to those who might think
That we really do stink,
Just be glad we’re not trying to sing.
UPDATE: Happy International Dance Day! (April 29th)
Tags: April Holidays, Ballroom Dance, Dance Classes, Dancing Humor, Exercise Humor, International Dance Day, Odd Holidays, Rumba, Swing
Posted in Dance Humor, Education & School Humor, Family & Relatives Humor, Health Verse, Leisure Time Humor, Limericks, Marriage Humor, Music Humor & Verse, Odd Holidays, Recreation & Fun Humor | 15 Comments »
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009
What’s with prominent celebrities and pols whose last names begin with “W”? Joe Wilson, Kanye West, and Serena Williams have all made unspeakably rude public asses of themselves during the last few days. And so the worlds of politics, entertainment and sports have all come together in a sad celebration of awful behavior followed by inadequate apologies.
Here’s my limerick tribute to their unseemly public tirades:
Ode To Incivility
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Must pols and celebs be so rude?
And display a despicable ‘tude?
Misters Wilson and West
And Ms. Williams, it’s best
To attempt not to act so unglued.
Tags: Bad Behavior, Beyonce Knowles, Insincere Apologies, Joe Wilson, Kanye West, Kim Clijsters, Moonman, MTV VMA's, Rudeness, Serena Williams, Singers, Sportsmanship, Taylor Swift, U.S. Open
Posted in Apology Humor, Behavior & Personality, Celebrity Humor, Entertainment Humor, Limericks, Music Humor & Verse, Public Figures, Sports Humor | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
Not An American Idol
By Madeleine Begun Kane
There once was a woman named June
Whose singing was way out of tune.
But she sang for her mate,
Who thought she was great,
Which is why his saloon’s gone to ruin.
Feel free to write your own limerick using the same first line and post it in my comments. And if you’re on Facebook, please join my friends in that same activity in my limerick-offs.
Tags: Husband, Intonation, Marriage, Music, Saloon, Singing, Tune, Voice, Wife, Writing Prompts
Posted in Battle of the Sexes, Behavior & Personality, Family & Relatives Humor, Family Verse, Limerick-Offs, Limericks, Marriage Humor, Music Humor & Verse, Poetry & Prompts, Relationship Humor | 12 Comments »
Thursday, May 14th, 2009
Since American Idol is one of the few TV shows I watch regularly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t comment on the finalists and write a limerick for finalists Kris Allen and Adam Lambert:
An Ode To The American Idol Finalists
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Many kudos to Adam and Kris!
Having Allison there would be bliss.
But it could have been worse.
I am Gokey-averse,
And he’s one guy I surely won’t miss.
Tags: Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, American Idol, Danny Gokey, Idol Finalists, Idol Judges, Kris Allen, Music Limerick, Television Review
Posted in Celebrity Humor, Entertainment Humor, Limericks, Music Humor & Verse, Television (TV) Humor | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
I feel (and share) EW’s Michael Slezak’s rage over the American Idol judges’ performance last night.
So what are we both so angry about? I sum it up in my American Idol Review haiku:
An “A for for effort”
To Gokey from the judges?
An F for standards.
Update: Now I’m really angry! Just as I feared, American Idol booted Allison Iraheta instead of Danny Gokey. Talk about unfair! The only good part is we were spared an encore rendition of Danny’s infamous final note.
Tags: Allison Iraheta, American Idol, Danny Gokey, Idol Judges, Music Haiku, Television Review
Posted in Entertainment Humor, Haiku & Senryu, Music Humor & Verse, Television (TV) Humor | 2 Comments »
Friday, March 13th, 2009
I’ve heard some bad violinists in my day … especially back when I substitute-taught elementary school music classes. But amazingly enough, this robot violinist (while lousy, of course) is better than your average fifth grade violin student.
In honor of the robot violinist, I’ve written a double limerick:
A Robot Violinist That Plays Better Than Your Kid?
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Fanatics may think it’s a sin
For a robot to play violin.
But its tone ain’t as bad
As some students I’ve had.
In a contest with them, it would win.
Yes it’s weak in vibrato and phrasing.
But its rhythm and pitch are amazing.
So you’re robot averse —
I’m still sure you’ve heard worse.
And if not, I shall brace for the hazing.
Tags: Children, Computers, Elementary School, Music, Music Students, Phrasing, Robot Musicians, Robots, Science, String Players, Substitute Teaching, Technology, Vibrato, Violinist
Posted in Children Humor, Computer Humor, Education & School Humor, Limericks, Music Humor & Verse, Robot Humor, Science Humor, Technology Humor | 6 Comments »
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
I’m not much of a cook. Don’t believe me? Just try reading (or singing) my Ode To Takeout song parody, which I wrote for And They Cook, Too: A Blogger Cookbook and fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders.
Ode To Takeout (Sing To My Favorite Things)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Baked meat lasagna and Indian curry.
Sesame noodles. I’m famished! Please hurry!
Buddha’s Delight that is fit for a king.
Takeout is one of my favorite things.
Greek beef moussaka and cheese ravioli.
Brocc’li and eggplant, stir fried with aioli.
Barbecued chicken: Just breasts and some wings.
Takeout is one of my favorite things.
When I’m feeling
Pangs of hunger,
Need fine food to eat,
I thumb through my menus and pick up the phone.
Cause takeout just can’t be beat.
Turkey with stuffing that isn’t too mushy.
Beef yakiniku, but please hold the sushi.
Salad that’s topped with a dressing that zings.
Takeout is one of my favorite things.
Chicken with walnuts and garlic, quite spicy.
Filet mignon. I don’t care that it’s pricey.
Lo mein and dumplings and fried onion rings.
Takeout is one of my favorite things.
When I yearn for
Something tasty
Need good food to eat,
I leaf through my menus and reach for the phone.
Cause takeout just can’t be beat.
(Author’s Note: I live in an ethnic food wonderland — Bayside, Queens, New York — which is why all this and more can be (and often is) delivered to my home.)
Tags: Bayside, Bayside Restaurants, Cooking, Delivery, Ethnic, Food, Kitchen, Menus, New York, Queens, Song Parody, Takeout
Posted in Behavior & Personality, Food & Drink Humor, Music Humor & Verse, Queens Verse & Humor, Song Parodies, Telephone Humor | 7 Comments »
