Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)" by Randy Newman from his 1974 album Good Old Boys, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, a satirical plea to the powers that be, carries a timeless message about the struggles of the working class. In a 2020 performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Newman introduced the track by joking it was written in the "Pleistocene Era" but noted its renewed relevance, with lyrics like "Maybe you're cheatin'/Maybe you're lyin'" resonating in modern political climates. Originally penned with Richard Nixon in mind, the song’s sharp commentary feels just as biting today, as Newman himself remarked its themes of economic hardship and distrust in leadership still ring true.

Another tidbit about the song comes from its place in Good Old Boys, a concept album initially centered around a character named Johnny Cutler, an everyman of the Deep South. While the final album shifted to explore broader Southern perspectives, the 2002 reissue included a bonus disc, Johnny Cutler's Birthday, featuring demos from 1973 where Newman narrates the character’s story with spoken descriptions of sound effects and scenes, giving fans a peek into his creative process. The song has also been covered by artists like Hard Working Americans and Sam Bush, showing its enduring appeal. Social media posts on Reddit from February 2025 highlight fans sharing the track, with one user calling it a "timeless protest song" that still "hits hard."

Randy Newman got his start in music thanks to a family steeped in the industry. Born on November 28, 1943, in Los Angeles, he grew up surrounded by uncles like Alfred, Lionel, and Emil Newman, who were prominent film composers and conductors. By his teens, Newman was already writing songs, signing with a publishing company at 17 to pen pop tunes for other artists. His early work included songs recorded by acts like Bonnie Raitt, who covered "Guilty" from Good Old Boys before Newman’s own version. His debut album, Randy Newman (1968), didn’t chart but earned critical praise, setting the stage for his cult following. By the 1970s, albums like Sail Away and Good Old Boys showcased his knack for satirical, character-driven storytelling, blending humor and social critique, which eventually led to his wider fame as a film composer for movies like Toy Story.

Fans can connect with Randy Newman through his official website, where you’ll find tour dates and discography details. His social media presence includes Facebook, where he shares updates on performances, and Instagram, featuring throwback photos and concert clips. On X, Newman occasionally posts about his work, though he’s less active there. For fan communities, check out the Randy Newman Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts discuss his music and share rare recordings. Websites like Randy Newman Info offer detailed discographies and career insights for diehard Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper into his legacy.