We spent the time with the Caltrans Choir this afternoon as the group performed at the Capitol rotunda during the prime lunch-hour slot, mixing Yuletide standards with a few venerable songs whose lyrics had been humorously redesigned with a nod to state employment.
This video captures one of the latter, "Oh Tinker Toys," set to the music of the classic, "Oh Tannenbaum." You can follow the lyrics below the video.
(And before you ask, the singers and Director Rex Cluff practice and perform during meal times and breaks, not state time.)
Oh Tinker Toys
(sung to the tune of "O'Tannenbaum")
Lyrics by Shirleigh Brannon, former Caltrans librarian
Oh Tinker toys, Oh Tinker toys,
You'll get a set for Christmas
Oh Tinker toys, Oh Tinker toys,
You'll get a set for Christmas
Someday you'll be an engineer.
We'll start you at age three, my dear
With Tinker toys, with Tinker toys.
Someday you'll work for Caltrans.
A cardboard box, a cardboard box,
We'll cut it up with scissors
A cardboard box, a cardboard box,
We'll cut it up with scissors
A corrugated cardboard sheet
Becomes a bridge for roads and creeks
A cardboard box, a cardboard box,
Can you say "orthotropic?"
With sticks and blocks and dirt and rocks
You'll learn to build a highway
With sticks and blocks and dirt and rocks
You'll learn to build a highway
Though sandbox paths you draw today
Someday you'll plan the new freeways
With Tinker toys, with Tinker toys,
You'll learn to work for Caltrans.
Want a little holiday bonus cheer? Cluff shared the lyrics for two other Caltrans Choir favorites with a state worker twist: "Build the Roads" (inspired by "Silver Bells") and "The Twelve Days of Caltrans" (which you can sing to the tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas").
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