Quick Q and A with Dan Hart
 by Kathy S-B  ·  21 June 2008

We're delighted to have Dan Hart as part of the Third Annual Beatles benefit on July 19th at the UU Church of Marblehead. Dan's career has spanned many years and he's got quite a collection of humorous songs in his repertoire. Dan's biography says that "his lyrics combine Midwestern honesty, West Coast humor and East Coast cynicism. Hart applies these qualities to topics such as the environment, mass media, psychotherapy, and problems of everyday everyday living in a confusing technological world." Songs from Dan's CD, The Life of Dan, have been featured on NPR and on Dr. Demento's syndicated radio show and charted on the Top-100 Folk-DJ list. You can learn more about Dan Hart on his website. Just follow the links to hear some of his outrageously amusing songs!

You’ve been compared to the famous satirist and songwriter, Tom Lehrer. That’s a high compliment since he’s known worldwide for his hilarious songs. Have you always written humorous songs?

I used to write serious songs that just oozed with sincerity and pathos. When I found I couldn’t perform them with a straight face any more, I switched to humor.

Have you ever tried to write a serious song, and if so, how did it turn out?

See above. I’ve made 3 albums (yes, albums) of serious songs, 99% percent of which are now at the bottom of a landfill. I stopped writing them for the good of the environment.

I understand that you were a practicing psychologist. How long did you do that and how or why did you decide to change careers?

I was a shrink for about 10 years, but always did music on the side. One day someone called me up and asked if I’d like to tour Europe with my music. I said “Hang on, let’s see if psychology will make a counter-offer.” And the rest is history.

Did you get a lot of good ideas for songs while working as a psychologist? As Christine Lavin says, it’s dangerous knowing a singer-songwriter . . . one never knows when they'll use you as fodder for their songs.

I’ve written exactly two songs inspired by psychology, both of which mercilessly lampoon the profession.

What is it about the Beatles that you find so inspiring?

Just because their songs are fun to play and sing. Most of the lyrics are not amazing or inspiring, but the melodies and the chord changes and the harmonies just seem to fill up a room. Also, being a Baby-Boomer, I grew up with these songs. So they remind me of a time without ruptured disks, hiatal hernias and migraines.