Madison songwriter This, of course, is precisely the sort of divisive culture-warmongering that the national media just can't get enough on. Bill O'Reilly bloviated last week on Fox Noise that we refer to our tree without evoking a particular variety of religion faith, much to his dismay, because "Madison is a secular progressive heaven." Now we know. Lonnquist has recorded a compromise, "Oh, Isthmus Tree," one that hails not only the tree but Madison's defining geographic feature, and its superb weekly newspaper. Here are the lyrics, set to the tune of "O Tannenbaum": Oh, Isthmus Tree! Oh, Isthmus Tree!
The Capitol Rotunda
Finds some perplexed and others vexed
Scratching their heads in wonder
While Christians claim you as their own
Historically it's widely known
Your origin was pagan when
The Yule-Tree was plundered
O, Isthmus Tree! O, Isthmus Tree!
The Yule-light that glistens
From every bough upon you now
Shone long before the Christians
Your candle-fire the ancients burned
To bid the wayward Sun return
Songs of light on Solstice Night
Still kindle hearts that listen
Oh, Isthmus Tree! Oh, Isthmus Tree!
Your warm illumination
Against the cold, dark Yules of old
Inspired imitation
But this sincerest flattery
Of circuit-box and battery
Should stake no claim or dare re-name
The Yule-Tree celebration
A recorded version of "Oh, Isthmus Tree" is available in the related downloads at right. The recording features Lonnquist on vocals and guitar, Jon Vriesacker on fiddle. Dan Geocaris at Concept Productions recorded and mixed.
