Pollution, The Remix

Tom Lehrer's song "Pollution" has been stuck in my head ever since I arrived in Cairo. I decided to make an Egyptian version of the song, but I kept the first and last verses almost untouched. If you watch the YouTube video, you can sing along. 

If you visit Egyptian City, 

You will find it very pretty.

Just two things of which you must beware:

Don't drink the water and don't breathe the air.

Pollution, Pollution,

You can blame the 2 million cars.

You'll see the smog, but you won't see the stars.

Walk along the Corniche al-Nile,

You can see that fellah smile.

Just look down at the tea you drink,

to understand why he gave you a wink.

Pollution, Pollution,

Forget your Nalgene.

Even when filtered, the water's unclean.

Go to your Ma'adi yoga class,

A welcome escape from the noxious gas.

Just don't linger in headstand pose,

'Cause there's black stuff dripping down from your nose.

Pollution, Pollution,

Take a drive through Zamalek.

After you're through, you'll need a health check.

Go and ask the building's bawaab,

or the driver of your cab.

He may be able to remember days

When Cairo wasn't covered by a poisonous haze.

So go to the city, see the crazy people there.

Like lambs to the slaughter,

they're drinking the water,

and breathing {cough, cough} the air!