Friday, October 31, 2014

A Tradition Continues

It's that time of year again.  

I know you have been waiting all year for this day, so without any further ado, here it is.  Turn on your sound and get ready to dance with The Reformation Polka.


Happy Friday!

And just in case you missed it, here are the words:

 Author: Rev. Robert J. Gebel
When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;
While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,
I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian! Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, St. Peter's profits soared,
I wrote a little notice for the All Saints' Bull'tin board:
"You cannot purchase merits, for we're justified by grace!
Here's 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!" Oh...

Chorus

They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;
The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
"Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,
"I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!" Oh...

Chorus

Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,
Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek! Oh...

Chorus

Let's raise our steins and Concord Books while gathered in this place,
And spread the word that 'catholic' is spelled with lower case;
The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets a chance,
So come on, Katy, drop your lute, and join us in our dance! Oh...

Chorus

Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

Many, many thanks to Rev. Gebel, who provides me with great fun every year.  And Mr. Marvelous (both Sr. and Jr.) with lots of cringing and eye-rolling.  



And Anna Elizabeth?  Happy Birthday tomorrow!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Love it! Going to try and memorize the chorus and use it on Mark at Church. Sshhh!