Jed Silverstar

It's a small world. Recently, Jed, the brother of a woman I know from the local Green party passed away. I've just now become aware that I used to know that Jed. I had not seen him in ages, so the name did not strike me at first. He was more of a friend of a friend, we never had much to say to each other. He had a remarkably creative mind, so I think his passing is much more than a loss for friends and family. In memory of Jed, here is his Elephant Song (set to a calypso beat):

THE ELEPHANT SONG:
(by Jed O'Connor/Jed Silverstar, copyright 1995)

O the el-e-phant is an an-e-mal
He got feet as big as a tree-ee,
But the el-e-phant, he can be my friend
As long as he don't step on me.

Don't step on me el-e-phant!
Don't snap at me crocodile!
I'll bring me a snack, I'll
feed every jackal
so we can laugh awhile.
Don't spit at me adder, mon!
Say what is the madder, mon?
There's plenty of merit to make like a parrot
Let's talk and be friends!
There's plenty of merit to make like a parrot
Let's talk and be friends!

O the ocelot, she can't change her spot,
And the tiger can't change his stri-ipe.
But they both will purr if you smooth their fur
When the lion sleeps tonight!

Don't growl at me lionness,
There's no need to spy on us!
We come here to play or maybe parlay
So why not get high on us?
O unfold your furry ears,
We don't need no worri-ers!
Bring your pal the cheetah, we'd all like to meet-'er
Let's talk and be friends!
Bring your pal the cheetah, we'd all like to meet-'er
Let's talk and be friends!

The piranha fish is a little vish-iz
At times as so are we a-all,
But when she's feeling sweet
With her t'ousand teet(h),
She can smile ten feet tall.

Don't eat me piranha fish!
No, no, that is not my wish!
No I'm not a blintz, not made out of mince
Not under no covered dish.
Don't see no men or women here.
I don't wanna go swimmin here!
But if you wanna chat, well I'm all for that,
Let's talk and be friends.
If you wanna chat, well I'm all for that,
Let's talk and be friends.

The tarantula is a raunchy fella
He bite if he got the chance.
But he's really swell at a tarantella--
Why not take him to the dance?

Don't fang me tarantula!
My legs are essentula!
I only got two, not eight legs like you,
So lighten up, cantula?
There's more use for mandibles
Than acting like candibles!
It's no voodoo curse to wanna converse,
Let's talk and be friends.
It's no voodoo curse to wanna converse,
Let's talk and be friends.

(Repeat Elephant verse #1)