by Rhonda Kim

Created on: February 27, 2008

The following Britney Spears song parody is written to the tune of "It Was A Very Good Year", made famous about 30 years ago when sung by the legendary Frank Sinatra. I believe that there are two main ways to go when writing song parodies: either pick a song with a style that matches the mood of your parody subject, or one with the complete opposite mood. I think great humor can come from either choice. And so of course, in writing the below song parody, I just broke my own rule. Actually, I followed both: the style of the song is specifically a reflection over the years, which is consistent with a look back on Britney's life so far. On the other hand, the parody lyrics describe events that are crass and low-brow, in direct contrast to this original song's poetic feel. I love that juxtaposition of lofty and crude. If you haven't heard the original yet, I highly recommend it because (a) it's a wonderful song and (b)it will help this song parody will make a lot more sense to you!

SUNG TO THE TUNE OF, "IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR"
(A Britney Spears song parody)

When she was 17
It was a very good year
It was a very good year
For short Catholic skirts
And bubblegum pop
We thought it'd never stop
She was new on the scene
When she was 17

When she was 21
It was a very good year
It was a very good year
For hit after hit
And that fabulous butt
Across the stage she'd strut
She sure was having fun
When she was 21

When she was 22
It was a very good year
It was a very good year
To marry white trash
And then to give birth
It did increase her girth
Oh, Britney, what'd you do
When you were 22

When she was 24
It was a very good year
It was a very good year
For drinking and drugs
And shaving her hair
Forgot her underwear
With paparazzi she'd war
When she was 24

And now the time goes by
She's in the gossip rags most days
So Brit decided to revive her flagging career
At this year's VMAs
Somewhat less than ideal
Looked like she'd not missed a meal
Where have you gone, Mouseketeer
It was a very good year

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