No. 02 · The Presidents
John Adams
1797-1801
In 1798, Adams signed four bills into law entitled the “Alien and Sedition Acts” to diminish the voice of his opposition. These acts not only made it more difficult for immigrants to become citizens, but threatened with fines and imprisonment, anyone who “shall write, print, utter or publish… scandalous writings against the government… or the president.” Due to this obvious rejection of basic civil liberties, all four bills were repealed by 1802.
Lyrics
C, G, D/F♯
John Adams, he got nervous
About his opposition
So he made laws
So he could throw them all straight into prison
These Alien and Sedition Acts
Made criminals of the talker backs
And anyone who dared to print their mind
With these laws, there'd be no New York Times
What's your problem John?
Is it 'cause you kind of look like an alien?
Is it 'cause you kind of look like one?
the good news is this outrage it didn't start with me
turns out people don't like giving up their liberty
these Alien and Sedition Acts, in 1802 got the shaft
it's why I'm not in jail for singing this song
so come one more time, let's all sing along
what's your problem John?
Is it 'cause you kind of look like an alien?
Is it 'cause you kind of look like one?
From the book, published 2009 · song & page updated
What's your problem John?