Song Meaning
This piece opens with a direct address, a playful jab at a publisher named Murray who's apparently requested a "Volume of Nonsense." The narrator immediately questions the need for such a collection, implying that the publisher's existing roster of authors should already be overflowing with such material. The tone is light, almost teasing, setting up a witty exchange about the nature of "nonsense" itself. It's a meta-commentary on publishing and creative output right from the start.
The core of the humor lies in the narrator's definition of the requested "Nonsense." The lyrics suggest that the publisher's idea of nonsense isn't just random absurdity, but specifically "purely 'facetious'" material. This distinction is key, as it leads the narrator to suggest alternative, perhaps more serious, works that could fill the "nonsense" quota in a roundabout way. It's a clever sidestep, using the publisher's own request to highlight the potential for humor in unexpected places.
The craft here is in the sharp, almost sarcastic, suggestions. The narrator proposes pressing Mr. Sotheby's tragedies or a "Syrian Sally" from a "common-place Gally" – these sound like potentially dry or uninspired works. Then, the jab at "the bookmaking of women" with a "Sketch" of a "feminine He-Man" adds another layer of satirical wit. The contrast between the requested "Nonsense" and the mundane or potentially pretentious works offered is where the real amusement resides.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics comes from their conversational wit and the subtle critique of literary trends and publishing demands. The narrator uses the prompt for "nonsense" to poke fun at the very idea of a curated collection of silliness, instead offering up what seems like the opposite. It's a sophisticated play on expectations, delivered with a light touch and a keen eye for ironic juxtaposition.
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