Pompous Circumstances

Pompous circumstances is the answer to the question, "Why is the keynote speaker still talking?" Since it is graduation season, many a ceremony shall be playing Pomp and Circumstance. While real lyrics do exist (that I've never heard anyone sing, and even fewer know) I have decided to write my own. May they fill your head the next time you hear the familiar tune... over... and over... and over.




This is the version that my daughter and I have been singing since she was old enough to do so:


My Reindeer flies sideways

Your Reindeer flies up-side-down

My Reindeer flies sideways

Your Reindeer is dead.

(Repeat)




I secretly admire the non-conformists who push against the boundaries of the establishment presenting the diplomas:


Dingle-berried flat cap

Unisexual gown

That's why I am naked

Between my chest and my knees.




Don't forget why they call it commencement:


Today you are grad-u-a-ting

Now it's time to get-a-job

There may be no "real world"

But, now you pay your own bills.




The real lyrics:


Land of hope and glory

Mother of the free,

How shall we extol thee,

Who are born of thee.

Wider still and wider

Shall thy bounds be set,

God who made thee mighty

Make thee mightier yet



God who made thee mighty

Make thee mightier yet