5000 Words

This song is about what I do when I'm not writing and singing songs. For the uninitiated: 5000 words is considered to be a very respectable day's work in my profession... THIS SONG IS NOW ON MY NEW CD, "5000 WORDS". Email order5000words@gmail.com for details.

FIVE THOUSAND WORDS
(Lyrics and music © by Sharon Neeman)

The clock showed close to quitting time; my desk was almost clear;
I thought perhaps I'd slip around the corner for a beer
But the phone rang and I answered and a friendly voice said "Hi!"
It was the secretary of a legal firm nearby.

She said "Oh, please excuse me calling this late in the day,
But we have a new petition in a case that's under way;
Can you translate it tomorrow? Any time by five will do
'Cause we wouldn't want to give the work to anyone but you

It's only

Five thousand words for tomorrow at five;"
I thought "I'll do that easily; I'll scarcely have to strive,"
So I smiled and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
And you'll send a check on Friday?" And she said "You know we will."

* * *

I set to work at eight AM; I cut my lunch date short;
By five the stuff was ready to be filed before the Court;
I sent it off by email and I poured a cup of tea
And the phone rang and I answered and a lawyer asked for me:

"I've just leafed through your translation, and I think it's very good,
And I'd like you to translate an affidavit, if you could;
It's the size of that petition well, perhaps a little more
And you know that I'd be grateful if you'd have it in by four

It's only

Six thousand words for tomorrow at four;"
I thought "I'll get up early; I've a longish day in store,"
And I shrugged and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
And you'll send a check on Friday?" And he said "You know we will."

* * *

I hit the desk at seven and I ate my lunch alone;
I never touched the Solitaire or gossiped on the phone;
At four o'clock I sent it off and shook my weary head
And the phone rang and I answered and the junior partner said:

"I really have to thank you for a job superbly done,
And I'm sure you'll be delighted, 'cause we've got another one:
I've just finished my summation, and you know how glad I'd be
If your excellent translation could be on my desk by three

It's only

Eight thousand words for tomorrow at three;"
I thought, "It won't be easy but I'll have the evening free,"
So I sighed and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
And you'll send a check on Friday?" And she said "You know we will."

* * *

I started at five-thirty, and my lunch was just a snack;
At three I typed the last few words and sent the email back;
I flexed my aching fingers and I silently rejoiced
And the phone rang and I answered and the senior partner's voice

Said "You really are a wonder, and your talents are unique
In fact, that's why we've kept you very busy all this week;
Now, I know that it's short notice, but I have to count on you
For the Judge needs my rebuttal to be on her desk at two

It's only

Ten thousand words for tomorrow at two;"
I thought, "How can I tell him that it's just too much to do?"
But I groaned and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
And you'll send a check on Friday?" And he said "You know we will."

* * *

I staggered in at four AM; I never ate a bite;
But I got it done by two, although it was a trifle tight;
I was dizzy, I was queasy, and I thought I'd never budge
But the phone rang and I answered and by God, it was the Judge!

She said, "I know you're tired, and I really hate to ask,
But there's no one in the city that can do this one last task:
For I've handed down my ruling," and she gave a modest cough,
"And at one PM tomorrow, the courier takes off

It's only

Twelve thousand words for tomorrow at one;"
My mind screamed "No, Your Honor! There are things that can't be done!"
But the words came out "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill "
And it's been four months since Friday, and the b*****s owe me still!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Sharon Neeman
• translation
• translators
• folk music

[atthis3]

That's cool :). Can someone post lyrics?

[sharonnsinger]

They're much longer than 500 characters. So I can't post them here. But if you're a ProZ member, my email is there. Email me and I'll send them to you. -- Sharon

[hawkeye4ever]

You could put the lyrics in the description field of the video. They allow more than 500 characters there, and I have seen lyrics in the description box. Thanks for this great song!

[sharonnsinger]

Thanks for the great tip, hawkeye4ever -- just did that. Enjoy!

[ardamato]

REALLY NICE!!

:-D

Whenever you get tired of translating, you'll definitely have a brilliant future as composer and singer!!

[sharonnsinger]

The problem is that I get tired of translating a few times a week... but I always go back to it :-/

-- Sharon

[Tzoutzouni]

This should be the national anthem of translators.

[caramil2007]

I just loved it! Thanks! Most people (who don't translate) have no idea how this feels...

[diegovski]

Excellent! I feel the same! :D

hahaha

[spanishinterpreter]

I had to set the representation agreement I'm working on aside and listen to this one more time. 1:17 a.m. 4,639 words to go... and I have a few buggers who owe me to!

[dabatube]

A perfect summation of my working life -- nice to know I'm not alone!

[DuLCeGaThUsKa]

OhMyGod! I am a Translation student... and this is HI LA RI O US!!!!!:)

[stoja87]

I just love your song!

[TheKimberlyPye]

Hilarious! Well done! Just googled "5000 words" to get an idea of how many more pages I have to write for NaNoWriMo. I fun break I just got. :)

[clowny220]

Luv it

[HairyMidgetable]

this isnt my kind of music and i dont like the song but well done with the lyrics must of took ages

[umbe81umbe]

you are amazing!!! happy translating to everyone!

[RitaJune]

This is great. {:o) loved it!