I recently found this video of a song by Boston folkie Bob Blue that I first heard back in the late 80s. Here we have a live version from an SMU commencement several years ago, performed by noted Professor Francis Collins, leader of the Human Genome Project.
I Did It Their Way
(Bob Blue)
I came, I bought all my books, lived in the dorm, followed directions.
I worked, I studied hard; met lots of folks who had connections.
I crammed, they gave me grades — though may I say, not in a fair way–
But more, much more than this, I did it THEIR way.
I memorized all sorts of things, although I know I’ll never use them.
The courses that I took were all required; I didn’t choose them.
I learned that to survive it’s best to act the doctrinaire way,
And so I buckled down, and did it THEIR way.
Yes, there were times I wondered why
I had to walk when I could fly.
I had my doubts, but after all —
I’d trimmed my wings, I learned to crawl.
I learned to bend, and in the end —
I did it THEIR way!
And so, my fine young friends, now that I am a full Professor,
Where once I was oppressed I have become the cruel oppressor.
Like me, you’ll learn to cope, you’ll learn to climb life’s golden
stairway;
Like me, you’ll see the light, and do it THEIR way.
So what is a man? What can I do?
Open your books, read chapter two,
And if it seems a bit routine,
Don’t speak to me: go see the Dean.
They get their way, I get my pay —
I do it THEIR way!
Buller's back porch 