Y2K?

by LeGrand Tuké

Oh, my name is Tuké
I was born in '68
My momma never married
She never had a date
But she had a vision
She didn't need a man
When she named me Tuké
She must 'a had a plan
But I didn't understand

And I cried,
Why Tuké? Why Tuké? Why Tuké?
What's in my name

And she said,
It ain't the end of time
It's the beginning
It ain't a time for fear and superstition
It's a time to plan
And not for wishin'
It'll go away

Years went by,
I never found out why I got that name
But one day down on South Street
Across a crazy man I came
He was all dressed up like Paul Revere,
He had a lantern in his hand
He said, Why, Tuké is here
It's time for every man
To have a plan

I cried,
Why Tuké? Why Tuké? Why Tuké?
Where'd you get my name

And he said,
It ain't the end of time
It's the beginning
It ain't a time for fear and superstition
It's a time to plan, and not for wishin'
It'll go away

So I went and asked my momma
Okay what's the joke
She said,
It's a message son
Time to tell the folk
People sayin' Y2K's
The end of time for man
You just say it's time to have a plan

I cried,
Why Tuké? Why Tuké? Why Tuké?

And she said,
It ain't the end of time
It's the beginning
It ain't a time for fear and superstition
It's a time to plan, and not for wishin'
It'll go away

Plan to help the old folks
They might need some heat
Plan to help the children
And the bum out on the street
Plan to get together
Plan to tell your friends
Plan for Y2K in time
And not for time to end

Some apocalyptic purveyors of pop culture say Y2K is the end of time. We've had no such transmissions from another world. We see the coming months as an opportunity for folks to come together in their communities, to help each other cope with possible interruptions in normal life.

But when all has passed, it is our wish that things will never quite return to normal. We hope the experience of Y2K-experiences starting now, like meeting and planning together with our neighbors, finding local approaches to problems-will awaken us to our potential for the future; and we will have become better citizens in the process.

LeGrand Tuké is comprised of musicians Sam Leopold and John Guth, inspired by community organizers Lida Verdesi and Bob Rhodes. Graphics for LeGrand Tuké by Ron Zisman.

Regarding Y2K, the American Red Cross recommends that all families stockpile a one week supply of money, food and water. Get a copy of their emergency brochure. For further information go to the internet and search Y2K on your favorite browser. We especially like:

This song is a community service brought to you by LeGrand Tuké and digitalphono.com.

Contact LeGrand Tuké via Sleopold@aol.com or call 914.426.0285.

Y2K?