For the season, here is the ending snippet of Arlo Guthrie’s “The Pause of Mr. Claus.” His long introduction is actually most of the piece. I have always thought this song expressed something fundamental - and unfortunately, its form of gentle satire is again pertinent to American culture. Still, the song has a cheerfulness that has always made me smile.

Why do you sit there so strange?
Is it because you are beautiful?
You must think you are deranged
Why do police guys beat on peace guys?

You must think Santa Clause weird
He has long hair and a beard
Giving his presents for free
Why do police guys mess with peace guys?

Let’s get Santa Clause ’cause;

Santa Clause has a red suit
He’s a communist
And a beard, and long hair
Must be a pacifist
What’s in the pipe that he’s smoking?
Mister Clause sneaks in your home at night.
He must be a dope fiend, to put you up tight

Why do police guys beat on peace guys?

©1968,1969 Appleseed Music Inc. (ASCAP)