Tom Lehrer, a satirical songwriter and mathematician, died on July 27 at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In the 1950s and 60s, he humorously tackled politics, war, religion, and social issues through his songs.
Lehrer earned a mathematics degree from Harvard University at the age of 18 and later started teaching mathematics. He composed songs like “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park,” “The Vatican Rag,” and “The Elements.”
Lehrer’s songs combined wit, sharpness, and truth. Artists such as Stephen Sondheim and Weird Al Yankovic drew inspiration from him.
Tom Lehrer left the world a legacy of songs blending truth and humor. His passing marks a loss of laughter worldwide.
