Jim found the Te Deum a tedious trial
And, sad though it seems, it’s beyond all denial.
The words were all right. They were cheerful enough
But the musical setting was tiresome and tough.
The tune would descend where he thought it would rise
Or the rhythm would suddenly spring a surprise.
The choir coped well and were clearly content
And the people around seemed to know how it went
Though they looked disapproving and gave a slight frown
When they soared to a high note as poor Jim went down.
Cry aloud with the angels and powers therein
They most certainly did but, to Jim, what a din!
‘Have mercy upon us!’ he’d fervently pray
As the music dragged on in its wearisome way.
With each passing phrase the more irksome it sounded.
In vain did Jim sing ‘let me not be confounded!’
Confounded he was. So, composers, be fair,
If you must write at all, write a nice tuneful air
And make it predictable, more like hymn:
Simple and easy and suited to Jim.
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