I discovered Garfunkel and Oates the same way I discovered my husband… by hanging out in a place I’d least expect them to be.
Just a warning, today’s post features songs with NSFW lyrics that may be very offensive to some folks… Proceed with caution.
Some time ago, I was reading posts on the Recovery from Mormonism message board when someone posted a very funny video starring two lovely young singer-comediennes. Their act was called Garfunkel and Oates, after “two famous rock-and-roll second bananas”, Art Garfunkel and John Oates. Garfunkel and Oates are really Kate Micucci (Oates) and Riki Lindhome (Garfunkel), and they are quite an irreverent pair who will either offend or delight their audiences, depending on the mix.
The very first song I ever heard these two woman sing was entitled “Pregnant Women are Smug”. The video for this song about annoying pregnant women was posted on the message board, a place where former Mormons gather to discuss their issues with the church and with organized religion in general. Though I am not myself a former Mormon, my husband is one. I have learned a lot about the LDS culture from interacting with some of the regular posters on that board and if there’s one thing Mormons are stereotypically known for, it’s having babies… and lots of them. So maybe it does make sense that someone in that group posted this video…
This low tech rendition was the first one I saw…
But then, I guess once their star started to rise, Garfunkel and Oates released this official video…
If the lyrics weren’t potentially offensive enough, pairing them with this wacky video put the song over the top funny…
I happened to post this on Facebook and one of my several friends who happens to be pregnant right now seemed to take offense. But I have to say, I think Garfunkel and Oates sort of have a point. On the other hand, I have never been pregnant myself, so what do I know? Besides, these women have such angelic voices and harmonize so beautifully.
Some time later, another member of the message board posted yet another potentially offensive yet hilarious video by Garfunkel and Oates.
“The Loophole” is an incredibly rude song about Christian girls who want to stay virginal, yet still want to have sex. They discover a “loophole” in the scriptures which allows them to have anal sex, which is not specifically prohibited in the Bible.
Garfunkel and Oates take on lame parties with this next video for the song, “This Party Took Took a Turn for the Douche”. I’m not really a fan of the term “douche” to describe something that’s lame, mainly because a douche is really just a good cleaning. I can think of more accurate terms for stupid parties or people. I do admire the way these ladies rap, though.
I can’t say I have experienced a party like this one… but then, I was never cool enough for parties, anyway.
Perhaps a song that we can all get into is “Save the Rich”.
Come on, you know the rich need saving, right?
Actually, I am impressed by the commentary this song seems to have sparked on YouTube. While it’s meant to be a funny song, it makes a bold statement that gets people talking about the economy. While I can’t say the comments are always kept to a dignified standard, they do inspire thought which hopefully learns to education.
Count me among those who enjoy Garfunkel and Oates’ brand of sharply profane wit. I don’t always agree with them, but I admire their ability to make statements with their shockingly funny songs. I see I’m not the only one who likes them, either. Their songs have been featured on Comedy Central, the television show, Scrubs, HBO’s Web site, and the IFC network.
