But Mr. Adams

But Mr. Adams is the song that features John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman debating on who should write the Declaration of Independence. Adams wants Franklin to write it, but Franklin claims that he won't put politics on paper, Sherman claims that he cannot write, Livingston is going back to New York to take care of his new son, so Adams ends up giving the pen to Jefferson.

Lyrics
Franklin:

Mr. Adams, I say you should write it

To your legal mind and brilliance we defer

Adams:

Is that so? Well, if I'm the one to do it

They'll run their quill pens through it

I'm obnoxious and disliked, you know that, sir

Franklin:

Yes, I know

Adams:

So I say you should write it Franklin, yes you

Franklin:

Hell, no!

Adams:

Yes, you, Dr. Franklin, you

but, you, but, you, but

Franklin:

Mr. Adams, but, Mr. Adams

The things I write are only light extemporania

I won't put politics on paper; it's a mania

So I refuse to use the pen in Pennsylvania

Others:

Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, refuse to use the pen

Adams:

Mr. Sherman, I say you should write it

You are never controversial as it were

Sherman:

That is true

Adams:

Whereas if I'm the one to do it

They'll run their quill pens through it

I'm obnoxious and disliked, you know that, sir

Sherman:

Yes, I do

Adams:

So I say you should write it, Sherman, yes you

Sherman:

Good heavens, no!

Adams:

Yes you, Roger Sherman, you

but, you, but, you, but

Sherman:

Mr. Adams, but, Mr. Adams

I cannot write with any style or proper etiquette

I don't know a participle from a predicate

I am just a simple cobbler from Connecticut

Others:

Connecticut, Connecticut, a simple cobbler he

Adams:

Mr. Livingston, maybe you should write it

You have many friends and you're a diplomat

Franklin:

Oh, that word!

Adams:

Whereas if I'm the one to do it

They'll run their quill pens through it

Others:

He's obnoxious and disliked; did you know that?

Livingston:

I hadn't heard

Adams:

So I say you should write it, Robert, yes you

Livingston:

Not me, Johnny!

Adams:

Yes you, Robert Livingston, you

but you but you but

Livingston:

Mr. Adams, dear Mr. Adams

I've been presented with a new son by the noble stork

So I am going home to celebrate and pop the cork

With all the Livingstons together back in old New York

Others:

New York, New York, Livingston's going to pop a cork

Jefferson:

Mr. Adams, leave me alone!

Adams:

Mr. Jefferson, dear Mr. Jefferson

I'm only 41; I still have my virility

And I can romp through Cupid's Grove with great agility

But life is more than sexual combustibility

Others:

Combustibility, combustibility, combustibili...

Jefferson:

Mr. Adams, damn you Mr. Adams

You're obnoxious and disliked; that cannot be denied

Once again you stand between me and my lovely bride

Oh, Mr. Adams, you are driving me to homicide!

Others:

Homicide, homicide, we may see murder yet!

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