MP3:
A Message to Khomeini (2:38)
Maharishi (3:14)
Everything old is new again, the names just change. As the United States tests the waters of war with Iran, this novelty song from 1979 by Roger Hallmark was a small hit on radio during the months leading up to the election of Ronald Reagan. Not only was it enraged at how our old friend the Shah was being treated, it also took the opportunity to toss in a few racist Ayrab jabs.
This Time Magazine article from December 17, 1979, reports on the climate that this song was considered funny in.
Included is the unfunny flip side, "Maharishi" for posterity's sake.
- Contributed by: John Mitchell
Images: Announcement Ad
Media: 45
Label: Vulcan
Catalog: V-10004
Date: 1979
wow, he bears a surprising resemblance to Kinky Friedman.
Posted by: Pan Pan | May 28, 2007 at 02:02 PM
The key thing is, for all the bellicose bragging of this record (and others), Khomeini died peacefully of old age several years later. Even though the singer (or rapper) gave "his best shot," namely, a raspberry.
I've had this record since 1979. It's been on my iPod for the last couple of years. I think I've even suggested it here. Anyway, glad to see it getting its place in the sand. Er, sun.
Posted by: Kip W | May 29, 2007 at 03:07 PM
In MI, there was another anti-that 45 single, "I Ran From Iran" (..."when the shooting began...)
Posted by: j | May 29, 2007 at 07:52 PM
Reminds me of the 45 "Bomb Iran", sung to the tune of "Barbara Ann".
Posted by: Pinball King | May 30, 2007 at 10:45 PM
i remember hearing the khomeini song in 1979 when i was just 13 yrs old.i cant beleive i have found it again after all of these years!! all i had to go on was just the lyics,someday soon khomeini youll burn one flag tomany...........and put it in google and it popped up.!!
Posted by: bill j gebo jr. | September 12, 2007 at 03:30 AM
Roger Hallmark is my father, lol. I could get you any of his music you want.
Posted by: Matt Hallmark | September 06, 2013 at 10:29 PM