It follows Tom Lehrer's musical career, the meaning of several of his songs, the politics of the time when he wrote the songs, and Greenblatt's own experiences with Lehrer's music, while playing some of Lehrer's songs intermittently.
The text focuses on Tom Lehrer's musical career, the meaning behind his songs, the political context in which they were written, and Greenblatt's own experiences with Lehrer's music, including playing some of his compositions.