This Joe Paterno Tribute Song Is Rife With Casio Keyboard Jams

by Eric Goldschein | 9:00 am, June 1st, 2012

Want an overly simplified version of the Penn State scandal that ended Joe Paterno’s coaching career, set to Casio keyboard riffs and the soft, aching croons of the “Boogie Woogie King of Rock n’ Roll”? Well, you asked for it.

Joey Welz, a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, is some kind of Penn State/Joe Paterno fan boy, so he made a record to show his love for the late coach. One the one hand, you have to appreciate his unwavering support of Joe Pa. On the other hand, between the white-washing of the whole affair, the lack of a chorus and the Casio solos, I don’t know which part of this song is most offensive.

Here are the lyrics:

The evil that was told to him he hardly understood
He reported it to his superiors like he knew he should
What happened after that he really never knew
You don’t tell your superiors what to do

Years later it all came back that he was given the blame
for not doing something more, and he was put to shame
Instead of going out with honor that his good name had earned
For years of service and giving, his image they tried to burn

How could he be wrong, when he tried to do what was right?
God judged him with mercy. Now he lives in God’s delight (All right!)
The records may state that cancer tore his body apart
But through it all he remained stalwart, and he died of a broken heart

[Breakdown]

No trustees can destroy all that for years he created
Not just winning teams, but young men who graduatedd
Yeah, he was the people’s coach, and the people will not stand
for the slandering of one of the best coaches in the land.

Rest in peace, Joe Paterno. Your good name is still intact
Nothing can destroy your image. We won’t let it, that’s a fact
He was the people’s coach, and the people will not stand
for the slandering of one of the best coaches in the land