The Vatican Rag
Ecumenical Groove: Unveiling Vatican II's Musical Revolution
Lyrics
Another big news story of year concerned the ecumenical council in Rome
Refers to a significant news story about the ecumenical council held in Rome.
Known as Vatican II
Identifies the council as Vatican II.
Among the things they did
Lists some actions taken during the council.
In an attempt to make the church more commercial
Expresses the intent to make the Church more appealing or marketable.
Was to introduce the vernacular into portions of the mass, to replace Latin
States the decision to use the vernacular language instead of Latin in parts of the mass.
And to widen somewhat the range of music permissible in the liturgy
Notes the expansion of acceptable music styles within the liturgy.
But I feel that if they really wanna sell the product in-
Suggests a personal opinion that to effectively market in a secular age, using popular song forms for liturgical music would be more impactful.
In this secular age
Emphasizes the present era's non-religious or non-spiritual focus.
What they ought to do is to redo some of the liturgical music in popular song forms
Proposes a suggestion to adapt liturgical music into popular song structures for greater appeal.
I have a modest example here
Introducing an example, the "Vatican Rag," as a modest demonstration of this idea.
It's called the Vatican Rag
Names the example song as the "Vatican Rag."
First you get down on your knees
Starts the satirical lyrics by describing the actions of kneeling.
Fiddle with your rosaries
Mocks religious rituals by humorously referring to handling rosaries.
Bow your head with great respect
Continues with the mock respectfulness of the rituals.
And genuflect, genuflect, genuflect
Uses repetition to humorously emphasize the act of genuflecting.
Do whatever steps you want if
Suggests following any specific steps with approval from the Pope.
You have cleared them with the pontiff
Reiterates the need for permission from the Pope.
Everybody say his own Kyrie, eleison
Encourages participation in the liturgy, specifically saying "Kyrie, eleison."
Doin' the Vatican Rag
Brings back the chorus of the "Vatican Rag."
Get in line in that processional
Describes joining a religious procession.
Step into that small confessional
References entering a confessional booth for confession.
There the guy who's got religion'll
Indicates that the person inside the confessional will determine if one's sin is original (new or unique).
Tell you if your sin's original
Pokes fun at the concept of original sin and the judgment of it.
If it is, try playin' it safer
Advises to play it safe if your sin is considered original.
Drink the wine and chew the wafer
Humorous reference to the act of consuming sacramental wine and the communion wafer.
Two, four, six, eight
Numbers used humorously to reference the steps of the religious process.
Time to transubstantiate
Play on words, referring to the act of changing substances during the Eucharist.
So get down upon your knees
Reprises the earlier action of getting down on knees and handling rosaries in a satirical manner.
Fiddle with your rosaries
Continues mocking the rituals.
Bow your head with great respect
Similar to line 15, emphasizing mock respect.
And genuflect, genuflect, genuflect
Repetition for humor and emphasis on genuflection.
Make a cross on your abdomen
Suggests making the sign of the cross on oneself.
When in Rome do like a Roman
Advises behaving as the Romans do while in Rome.
Ave Maria, gee it's good to see ya
References the prayer "Ave Maria" in a light-hearted manner.
Gettin' ecstatic and sorta dramatic and
Describes becoming enthusiastic and dramatic in a religious context.
Doin' the Vatican Rag
Concludes with the chorus of the "Vatican Rag."
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