There is but one reason I might in any way wish that Donald Trump retake the Presidency, much as the notion scares the bejeezus out of me. And it’s that his victory would also continue the winning streak of parodying the accursed blight on our Republic in the sweetly sharp musical videos made by Randy Rainbow for another four years.
Lord knows the state of the nation and our fractious politics desperately cries for some relief. And since laughter can be the best medicine, comic relief may be just what the doctor ordered. And Rainbow evokes some of best laughs about the zaniness and hypocrisy of Trump, his MAGA cult and the demented political right wing.
Like many, I came across Rainbow – his real surname, so fitting for an out, loud and proud gay man – on Facebook, where he posts his deliciously arch song parodies in which he stars. It’s what was called topical songs during the folk revival, but he’s a far cry from Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger Bob Dylan or Phil Ochs. Think more Great White Way and the pop and rock charts. With a born entertainer’s flair, and just the right dash of camp,
For instance, a year ago Rainbow recently took the old Andrews Sisters 1941 hit song “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and applied it to Trump’s classified documents scandal as “Grumpy Trumpy Felon from Jamaica in Queens.” Or more recently, “Forty-Five,” in which Rainbow talks with real-life interview segments with the ex-President and convicted felon he refers to as Donald Jessica Trump.
It’s as surreal as a visit to Disney World on psychedelics as the “interview” shifts – with Trump’s talking sped up to Donald Duck quacking tones – into the tune of the Dolly Parton hit “9 to 5.” With new lyrics by Rainbow that describe the Orange Blowhard as “fartin’, burpin’, kvetchin’ and bitchin’” and assess his legacy succinctly: “Four years was more than plenty.” On the choruses he’s backed by four images of himself dolled up as female backup singers enhancing the zingers.
And he doesn’t just skewer the bloated, bleached blonde buffoon. Another recent video, “Look at me, I’m MTG,” starts like the beginning of a “60 Minutes” report, complete with a ticking watch dial in the logo that reads “60 MAGATS.” After an extended “interview” in which Rainbow skewers Greene’s statements by asking the right very pointed questions, another delightful song.
His latest as this is written is a witty country music-flavored review of recent events in the presidential race, “The Lawyer or the Conman.”
His videos can be found on YouTube, and linked in reverse chronological order on Rainbow’s website, which reveals what’s become a burgeoning cottage industry. He’s a true American success story, driven by florid creativity, dead aim for the funny bone and the fault lines throughout those he parodies, and serious thespian and musical chops.
He follows in the tradition of such keep political parodists in song as Tom Lehrer and Mark Russell. But with 21st Century digital production flair that makes his song presentations dazzling and two tons of fun. It’s a healing ameliorative for the horrors injected into the public political parade on a daily basis.
They’re also guaranteed to make the heads of MAGA cultists explode. Though if there was ever a gang who need to lighten up, chill out and have a good laugh at how things are, it’s the seriously perturbed right wing.
Of course I can’t wait until, I pray, Trump is defeated and Rainbow mocks his political demise. And there will be more than enough in the years to follow to keep this ingenious parodist busy snarking and skewering in song.
Feature Film: “The Boys in the Boat” – The ugliness of this election season makes it prime time for a feelgood movie about America. This George Clooney-directed story about an underdog college rowing team rising to become Olympic competitors during the Great Depression is just the ticket.
Documentary TV Series: “Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter – Poor parenting followed by too much fame and fortune too soon for these teen pop music heartthrobs bred tragedy and horrid misbehavior.
Rob Patterson is a music and entertainment writer in Austin, Texas. Email robpatterson054@gmail.com.
From The Progressive Populist, October 1, 2024
Blog | Current Issue | Back Issues | Essays | Links
About the Progressive Populist | How to Subscribe | How to Contact Us