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If you visit American city, You will find it very pretty…

“If you visit American city, You will find it very pretty. Just two things of which you must beware: Don't drink the water and don't breathe the air. Pollution, pollution, They got smog and sewage and mud. Turn on your tap and get hot and cold running crud. See the halibuts and the sturgeons Being…” quote by Tom Lehrer
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“If you visit American city, You will find it very pretty. Just two things of which you must beware: Don't drink the water and don't breathe the air. Pollution, pollution, They got smog and sewage and mud. Turn on your tap and get hot and cold running crud. See the halibuts and the sturgeons Being wiped out by detergents. Fish gotta swim and birds gotta fly, But they don't last long if they try. Pollution, pollution, You can use the latest toothpaste, And then rinse your mouth with industrial waste.”

Tom Lehrer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The lyric satirically warns that urban environments can be heavily polluted, making water and air unsafe, and that industrial waste harms wildlife and health.

In simple terms: Cities can be dirty and unsafe due to pollution.

Key Takeaway

Be aware of environmental hazards.

Themes

environment pollution urban life health wildlife

Mood

cynical warning satirical

Type

humorous critical environmental

When to use this quote

  • city tourism
  • daily commute
  • water consumption
  • outdoor activities

Key Concepts

industrial waste ecosystem collapse public health urban planning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does pollution affect your daily choices?
  • What actions can reduce urban environmental harm?
A Different Perspective

Pollution levels vary; some cities have effective mitigation.

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