Expert: Amy - 10/23/2005

Question
Hey Amy,
My question is regarding a TV spot I saw when I was a child.  I believe it was BNL but I'm not sure.  It was a sort of music video and I believe it was Ed that was a bald and green alien wearing a crown and a glittery gold robe.  I think the song had to do with people being different colors and things like that.  All of the other guys I think were in space suits.  They have a picture of it on the back of their Best of . . . music book.  I was just wonding if it was them and what was it for?  Is there any video of it anywhere?

Thanks
Brad

Answer
Hi Brad

This is my most frequently asked question!  The TV Spot in question was a PSA in the 80's that was in fact Barenaked Ladies.  The song was called "The Ballad of Gordon" and it was about diversity and tolerance and such.  Video can be found online, though at the moment I can't find the link I've been sent.  I've pasted the lyrics below, I hope you find this helpful!

-Amy

There was darkness, there was light,
There was day and there was night,
There was wrong and there was right...
And then there was me.

You didn't even know me, but you treated me like dirt.
(And then there was me)
You didn't even know me, but you called me a jerk.
(And then there was me)

I'm from a planet near a star
You wouldn't know (it's very far).
They're calling me the man from Mars
And I think they're insulting me.

They tried to take my special suit.
(Insulting me)
They said my head looks like fruit – what is fruit?
(Insulting me)
Put your hands up or I'll shoot! I don't have hands...

Across the galaxy I flew,
Heard a peaceful message sent by you.
Now I find you're judged by color and size.
I can't believe what you call my...

I'm the guy who sails the sky, but I think I'd like to live here.
I'd like to share your mountains, share your trees, and share your rivers.
I've never seen so many beings of so many colors.
I'd like one day for you to say that I can call you brothers.

(And then there was we)
I'd like to learn about your pizza and your weather,
(And then there was we)
Then we could learn about how beings live together.
(And then there was we)

So if you're thinking about being a spaceman,
It don't matter if you're black or white
Or purple or green or blue or red
Or yellow with polka dots on your head
Or made of snow or made of wheat
Or looking like something that's kind of a treat.

I like your hat... (fade)