I SHIMMIED DOWN THE CHIMNEY

Verse 1 They dressed me in some heavy shorts That looked a bit absurd— A costume fit for Pinocchio, If anyone wants my word. They sent me where the soot was thick, Where daylight couldn’t find me. But I was small and quick enough— I shimmied down the chimney! Chorus I shimmied down the chimney, I shimmied through the smoke. It wasn’t very dignified, But even then—I joked. With soot upon my elbows And mischief running through me, I wriggled, giggled, did my job, And shimmied down the chimney. Verse 2 Now stealing bread is troublesome— They catch you, lock the door. You sit in chains and contemplate What stealing bread is for. So here’s a better strategy, Quite sensible instead: Why steal it from somebody When you can marry them for bread? Spoken Response “Well… unless prison time.” Chorus I shimmied down the chimney, I reasoned from my cell. I may have lived in other times, But I knew a joke quite well. If life becomes too serious And dignity grows flimsy, Put both feet on the fireplace And shimmy down the chimney. Verse 3 They said that they might stand one day For some hifalutin job— and i might need to participate and heed Spoken — immediately and firmly “No, they won’t. I won’t let them.” Beat “No—I’m joking.” Bridge I’ve whispered and I’ve thundered. I’ve been solemn, I’ve been wise. I’ve searched through ancient mysteries With wonder in my eyes. yet wisdom without laughter Would be terribly incomplete— Sometimes truth comes down the chimney With ashes on its feet. Final Chorus I shimmied down the chimney, Still smiling through the smoke. Across the years and lifetimes, I never lost the joke. I found some peace, I found myself, I found that I was free— And somewhere in the middle I found the giggling me. withd a smile clearly heard in the voice Oh, we can be really good— Good jokes.