Tom Lehrer's song: Pollution
Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding one of the sentences from the very well-known song by Tom Lehrer, Pollution. It says the following: 'If the hoods don't get you, the monoxide will'. What does the word 'hoods' mean here? Does it refer to the part of the cars?

Thanks!!

Question

Tom Lehrer's song: Pollution
Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding one of the sentences from the very well-known song by Tom Lehrer, Pollution. It says the following: 'If the hoods don't get you, the monoxide will'. What does the word 'hoods' mean here? Does it refer to the part of the cars?

Thanks!!

Answer

A "hood" can also mean a gang member or thug. Lehrer means if you don't get mugged, you'll at least get poisoned.

Answer

Read the line before that:

"The city streets are really quite a thrill
If the hoods don't get you, the monoxide will."

'Hood' is slang for neighbourhood. A 'hood,' is a slum/ghetto area, and it can be dangerous.

Answer

I love Tom Lehrer's songs!

Answers · 4

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