Benjamin Franklin - Song Writer
Benjamin Frankllin is famed for countless accomplishments: The Lightning Rod, the Franklin Stove, Bifocal Spectacles, his efforts in writing the Declaration of Independence, negotiating the French Alliance that helped America to win the Revolutionary War and many others. Some know of his musical talents in developing the Glass Armonica of which, he said, "Of all of my inventions. the glass armonica has given me the greatest personal satisfaction." However, few are aware that he also had talents for song writing.
In 1739, Franklin's printing business was expanding and he was soon to become the official printer for New Jersey. It was during this time that he composed a few songs, one of which he called "Vanity," which deals with people chasing after seemingly important goals that they consider to be important but in the final analysis, aren't important at all. It was sung in Masonic lodges and other locations through the early 1900s. Here it is.
(C)E.W.Boyle, 2002