December 2012 (I think) was a very special time of my PhD studies, a time of unspeakable pain, but also of great joy, fun, and laughter. The reason for this emotional roller coaster was a challenge: Listening at least 100 times to the song Last Christmas from Wham! before the Christmas break.
The rules were simple: Me and my office mate had to be both in the office and endure enjoy the song from beginning to end. If there was an interruption, the attempt didn’t count. Needless to say, we were successful because we are strong-willed and understood that this challenge will make our life better. It did. I think.
Anyway, during the process we haven’t had the problem that Mr. Michael was singing about, but we had the typical problems of scientists. Thus, we wrote our own lyrics. And today is the day that I want to share them with you!
Start the song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvPlI) and sing along! Yes, it works, you just have to start the “you reject it away” part a bit earlier…or just sing “you threw it away”. You can sing this song all year ’round and it will bring you joy, I’m sure.
Last Christmas — Scientist Edition
Original lyrics: George Michael
These lyrics: Axel S. & Lukas H.
Ah, aha
Ooh, ohh
Ohh
[Chorus]
Last Christmas I sent you my work
But the very next day you reject it away
This year, to save me from tears
I submit it to a special issue
Last Christmas I sent you my work
But the very next day you reject it away (reject it away)
This year, to save me from tears
I submit it to a special issue (Issue)
[Verse 1]
Once written and twice revised
I sent my paper, and I still try and try
Tell me, editor, do you recognize me?
Well, it’s been a year, it doesn’t surprise me
[Verse 2]
(Brandnew research) I wrote it up and sent it
with a note saying “I did it”, I meant it
Now I know what a fool I’ve been
But if I send more now, you will reject me again
[Chorus]
Last Christmas I sent you my work
But the very next day you reject it away (reject it away)
This year, to save me from tears
I submit it to a special issue (Issue)
Last Christmas I sent you my work
But the very next day you reject it away (reject it away)
This year, to save me from tears,
I submit it to a special issue (Issue, oh)
Oh, oh, editor
[Verse 3]
So much work, so many sleepless nights
And you reject it, the work of my life
Oh yes, I thought your journal was a good fit
But, I guess I was an idiot to try it
[Verse 4]
A colorful journal with a number of parts
but no information I could tear it apart
Ooh-hoo
Now I’ll send it somewhere else, you’ll never fool me again
[Chorus]
Last Christmas I sent you my work
But the very next day you reject it away (reject it away)
This year, to save me from tears
I submit it to a special issue (Issue)
Last Christmas I sent you my work (I sent you my work)
But the very next day you reject it away (reject it away)
This year, to save me from tears (Ohh)
I submit it to a special issue (Issue)
[Outro]
A colorful journal with a number of parts (I sent you my work)
A large impact factor but no good science at all
Maybe next year
I’ll send it to sohome, I’ll send it to some special issue
Special…
Issue…
What a great song! Made my day 🙂
Are you planning on making a music video? I would love to see one.
Thanks, good to hear!
Great idea, my musical skills are not the best, but the song would be worth a video 😉
ahaha for sure! 😉