O City of Metropolis (O Little Town of Bethlehem, Phillips Brooks / Lewis Redner)

Christmas is nearly upon us now, so I thought it would be a good time to post the first of two parodies that will serve as a sort of Christmas card from me. (In fact, I included this one in my physical Christmas card.) Given my obsession this year with Superman, I thought it might be nice if my Chistmas greetings (to the tune of O Little Town of Bethlehem) reflected that. Hope yours is very merry!

O City of Metropolis

O city of Metropolis,
I watch you as I fly.
Your problems all seem very small
From up here in the sky.
I hear your people pining
For me to make things right,
But riding on the wings of dawn,
You're such a peaceful sight.

This is my sanctuary.
I hover far above,
Forgoing sleep to calmly keep
An eye on those I love.
I float just like a feather
And yet am bound to Earth,
This realm of man more homelike than
The planet of my birth.

How violently, how violently
My rivals flaunt their sin.
I hope I can undo their plans,
But where do I begin?
Calamities keep coming.
My efforts wear me thin.
I come up here so I can clear
My head of all the din.

I pray for you, Metropolis -
Yes, Superman can pray,
For Krypton's son, for all he's done,
Can only save the day.
I know who holds tomorrow;
I hope you know as well.
Though I may be a hero, He's
The true Emmanuel.

I Came Here From Space (Looking for Space, John Denver)

John Denver's soul-searching anthem Looking for Space reminds me of Superman, so here's a parody circa the events of Superman Returns.

I Came Here From Space

I am growing experienced in trying to save the day,
Bringing truth, justice and this country's way.
I continue improving, driven by my goodwill,
Thwarting those who would seek to harm and kill.

Cuz I came here from space,
And they call me Superman.
Jor-El said that I'm part of a great plan.
Though it sometimes seems
That my life is unfair,
I'm bringing hope to the people
Each time I take to the air.

I have traveled the universe, hoping that I would see
Indications of what I'm meant to be.
Lost until I re-entered Earth's heavy atmosphere,
I heard its citizens crying out for me.

Cuz I came here from space,
And they call me Superman.
Jor-El said that I'm part of a great plan.
Though it sometimes seems
That my life is unfair,
I'm bringing hope to the people
Each time I take to the air.

I am growing experienced listening as they pray.
I hear them whisper, "He's back, and I hope he'll stay. I hope he'll stay.

Cuz he came here from space,
And I sure am glad he came,
Though I can't even say I know his name."
Though it oftentimes seems
That my life is unfair,
I'm bringing hope to the people
Each time I take to the air.
I'm bringing hope to the people,
To the people
When I'm flying high...

Iconic (Ironic, Alanis Morisette)

It occurred to me the other day that every song I have parodied was written and performed by a guy, barring Mary Travers, who's only one of three so I'm not sure that quite counts, and Julie Andrews. Anyway, I figured I'd better introduce a tiny bit of gender equality. But isn't it Ironic that the song is an anthem to... yet another guy? Am I really this misogynistic? Well, at least I mention Lois and Martha...

Iconic

He wears capes and sports an "S"
Emblazoned in red on a suit on his chest.
I don't know why he's eager to be
Everybody's savior, but it's fine with me.
And isn't he iconic? Dont'cha think?

Like a plane or a bird in the sky.
Everybody cheers when they notice him fly.
He is such a nice, helpful kind of a guy.
No wonder they call him Super!

He loves Lois Lane, who's a hard-hitting girl.
He is so busy saving all of the world,
But still every once in a while he gets away
To tiny Smallville to visit his mom for the day.
And isn't he iconic? Dont'cha think?

Like a plane or a bird in the sky.
Everybody cheers when they notice him fly.
He is such a nice, helpful kind of a guy.
No wonder they call him Super!

Well, he has a funny way
Of sneaking into his suit when everything's not okay and putting everything right.
Oh, he has a funny way of helping you out when you think everything's gone wrong
'Cause he's a hero from outer space...

He acts shy when he is in his disguise.
He wears eyeglasses in front of his eyes.
He is Jimmy's best friend; they are a couple of nerds.
He has only held onto his job
'Cause of how speedily he types words.
And isn't he iconic? Don'tcha think?
A little too iconic... Yeah, I really do think.

Like a plane or a bird in the sky.
Everybody cheers when they notice him fly.
He is such a nice, helpful kind of a guy.
No wonder they call him Super!

He has a funny way of sneaking on his suit.
He has a funny, funny way of helping you out,
Helping you out.