T.J.'s Influences Pt. 1: Parodies

Strangely enough, my largest influence was not Weird Al. I love Weird Al, don't get me wrong, but he's not what gave me an appreciation for parodies. Instead, the first time I ever heard a parody was Ray Stevens's "Surfin USSR". I was only four or so and for years I thought that was the actual title of the song. Then years later I heard the original and I have to say I was disappointed.

Years later came my second parody artist and first stand up comedy exposure, Christian funny-man Mark Lowry. It was the best thing ever to a ten year old kid. He is who inspired me to write my first parody, an answering machine message.

Just sit right back and leave a message

For us to listen to

In just a little while we

Will get right back to you

We'll get right back to you*

It wasn't until I was fourteen that I really appreciated the art of writing parodies. This came from one of my favorite bands throughout high school; ApologetiX. They were different from Weird Al because while they did write humorous songs ("Bethlehemian Rhapsody" is hysterical), they also would change the spirit behind the song and make it serious sometimes ("Corinthians" and "Look Yourself" are both incredibly lacking in laughs but still enjoyable). They also used them to make some very very deep songs when you compare them to other Christian artist's fluff. Example: Their song "You Booked Me All Along" (take a wild guess what that's a parody of) is about and serves the purpose of Biblically evidencing predestination. Most pastors won't even go there.

-T.J. Mercer

*to the tune of "Gilligan's Island Theme"