Beginner Man (1987)

Sung to Billy Joel’s Piano Man (1973)

Performed by me in Atlanta at the Beth Jacob Synagogue’s Purim play, this song was my tribute to Rabbi David Silverman, who led the Shabbat morning beginner’s services.

First, Billy Joel’s Piano Man:

Beginner Man lyrics

(I’ve forgotten most of the lyrics; awaiting the sole printout from CSS in Pittsburgh)

It’s xxx o’clock on a Saturday,

[A regular?] crowd shuffles in,

xxxx

xxx

Well, Myra’s a New Age kabbalist

Who seeks truth in her crystals and pearls,

And she’s talking to Paul, who comes late, if at all,

Just to meet vegetarian girls.

And the feminist twists my apology,

And the atheist drowns my reply,

Friends, we’re all b’al-e-tchuvas* (*born-again Jews)

And it would behoove us

To bid Him good faith or good bye.

(Piano; behind me, two men dance across the stage.)

Well, the restless are [watching their watches?]

And I can’t raise a soul to his feet,

But I’ve come a long way from the shores of L.A.

And I got a big mortgage to meet.

xxx

xxx