This article is taken from Stand 235, 20(3) September - December 2022.
Handwashing Song by Richey Edwards
for Ignaz Philipp Semmelweiss
I’ve been nervous all my life
In Popeye cartoons
Spinach comes in cans
Spinach makes you supernaturally strong
Like a song
Whose light disinfects
Wherever it shines
I’ve been nervous all my life
Now I’m just a
Little bit more nervous
Hesitate don’t hesitate
Steep me in time
Beat me until I’m gangrenous
I’m the father of antiseptic procedures
Come here, take my hand
Let me tell you all I know
About childbed fever
...
I’ve been nervous all my life
In Popeye cartoons
Spinach comes in cans
Spinach makes you supernaturally strong
Like a song
Whose light disinfects
Wherever it shines
I’ve been nervous all my life
Now I’m just a
Little bit more nervous
Hesitate don’t hesitate
Steep me in time
Beat me until I’m gangrenous
I’m the father of antiseptic procedures
Come here, take my hand
Let me tell you all I know
About childbed fever
...
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