Thanks to Steve Hager, who broke the story long ago, and to Gaynell Rogers for introducing me.
lyrics
Back in '71 they tell
Five friends at San Rafael
High School were into weed
and comedy in word and deed
They'd meet at 20 after four
by the bust of Louis Pasteur
to shuck and jive by yonder wall
and so the Waldos they got called
If there was no Standard Oil
there would still be plenty
But if there were no Waldos
There'd be no 420
Steven Larry David Mark
and Jeff whose dad was a Frisco narc
heard about this patch of pot
They had a map, X marked the spot
So off they'd drive to Point Reyes
In woods and pastures there to graze
Never was the treasure found
The pleasure they dug was foolin' around
If there was no Standard Oil...
Jocks picked up on the cool code
and the college-bound made it a la mode
Three little digits, two little words
Flyin' through San Rafael like birds
Through the hot rod boys' garage
Through the Grateful entourage
and down the highway, out on tour
a long way from Louis Pasteur
If there was no Standard Oil...
And now it's everywhere you go
Provo Oslo Tokyo
420 means let's smoke
Prohibition is the butt of a joke
that everyone is in on now
Johnny Carson would be proud
Of the Waldos' comedy:
Liberation numerology!
If there was no Standard Oil...
PS
Waldos Deniers want debate
They say the lads got there too late
Back in the '60s, so they claim
420 was pot's other name
But when you ask 'em to document
These memories, do they relent?
No, they come on more aloof:
'Who are you to ask me for proof?'
But if there was no Standard Oil,
there would still be plenty
and if there were no Waldos
There's be no 420!
credits
Words and tune by Fred Gardner
Production and lead licks by Jason Berk
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