James K. Polk
They Might Be Giants
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In 1844, the Democrats were split The three nominees for the presidential candidate Were Martin Van Buren, a former president and an abolitionist James Buchanan, a moderate Louis Cass, a general and expansionist From Nashville came a dark horse riding up He was James K. Polk, Napoleon of the Stump Austere, severe, he held few people dear His oratory filled his foes with fear The factions soon agreed He's just the man we need To bring about victory Fulfill our manifest destiny And annex the land the Mexicans command And when the votes were cast the winner was Mister James K. Polk, Napoleon of the Stump In four short years he met his every goal He seized the whole southwest from Mexico Made sure the tariffs fell And made the English sell the Oregon territory He built an independent treasury Having done all this he sought no second term But precious few have mourned the passing of Mister James K. Polk, our eleventh president Young Hickory, Napoleon of the Stump
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Written by: JOHN FLANSBURGH, JOHN LINNELL, JOHN C. FLANSBURGH, JOHN S. LINNELL, MATTHEW HILL
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
24 facts about this song
Genre"James K. Polk" by "They Might Be Giants" belongs to alternative rock and indie rock music genres.
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Release InformationThe song was originally released as a "B" side single in 1990, and later included in the band's 1996 album "Factory Showroom”.
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Historical RelevanceThe song serves as a more or less accurate biography of the 11th President of the United States, James K. Polk, who served from 1845 to 1849.
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Song ContentThe lyrics of the song provide details about Polk's political career, including his pledge to serve only one term, and his agenda to expand the United States through the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of California from Mexico.
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Educational UseSome teachers reportedly use the song in classrooms to teach about this period in American history, due to its factual lyrics.
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Style"They Might Be Giants" are known for their eclectic and quirky musical style, often incorporating a variety of musical genres, and "James K. Polk" is a solid representation of their signature style.
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PraiseThe song is praised for its synthesizing of complex historical events into an easy-to-understand, catchy rock song.
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ComposerThe song was composed by band members John Flansburgh and John Linnell.
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Live PerformancesThe band frequently performs "James K. Polk" in their live shows, sometimes using a slide show to accompany the music with historical images.
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VariationThe original 1990 version of the song included a demonstrative narrator; this was removed in the 1996 album version.
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Critical ReceptionFans and critics appreciate the song for subtly highlighting James K. Polk's aggressive expansionist policies, while remaining fun and lively to listen to.
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Historical Inspiration"James K. Polk" by They Might Be Giants is a song inspired by the life and presidency of the 11th President of the United States, James Knox Polk.
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Album PresenceThe song first appeared as a B-side to the single "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" in 1990, and later was included in the album "Factory Showroom" in 1996.
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Educational UseThe song is often used in an educational context due to its historical content, providing a unique way to teach American History.
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GenreThe song is classified as Alternative Rock, reflecting They Might Be Giants' eclectic, often quirky musical style.
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Song CompositionThe song is structured in the form of a ballad which tells the story of Polk's election, his promises, and his fulfillment of these promises during his presidency.
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ReputationIt is one of They Might Be Giants' most historically accurate songs, praised for its informative and catchy qualities.
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Musical StyleIt features the band’s signature blend of keyboards, guitars, and drum programming.
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Song LengthThe song is approximately 3 minutes long, a typical duration for a popular song.
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Biography and CriticismWhile offering a brief synopsis of Polk's political career, the song also critiques the manifest destiny principles of his presidency.
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Live PerformancesThe song is a popular choice during They Might Be Giants' live performances.
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Fan ReceptionDespite its unconventional subject matter, "James K. Polk" has been widely embraced by fans of They Might Be Giants.
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Awards and RecognitionAlthough the song did not win any specific music awards, the band’s album “Factory Showroom” where this song is included, was critically acclaimed.
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IlustrationThe song also came with an animated video that briefly summarizes the life of President James K. Polk.
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Citation
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"James K. Polk Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28766286/They+Might+Be+Giants/James+K.+Polk>.
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