See my Vest — The Simpsons Lyrics

The song "See My Vest" is from The Simpsons and is a rich vein of dark humor and satire as it portrays Mr. Burns' over-the-top and morally more than questionable love for the wearing of animals. Sung by Harry Shearer as Mr. Burns, it was composed for the episode "Two Dozen and One Greyhounds" by Mike Scully with music by Alf Clausen.

The lyrics of the song describe in graphic detail Mr. Burns' animal-made clothes, and though it is for comic relief, the gorilla chests, Irish setters, and even endangered species, magnify the lavish life where animals are killed, their skin used, and bought for conspicuous consumption. That is not all for gags but subtly implies condemnation to the extent that vanity and consumerism can at times go, at times when the urge for luxury and glamour makes a mockery of all value systems.

"See My Vest" actually serves as a story beat in the episode: revealing, in a roundabout way, Mr. Burns' scheme to make a tuxedo out of greyhound puppies, no less than a delightful tonic even to this day, in a chorus whose hideousness was purposefully calibrated, so the episode's writers always hoped, to keep the whole storyline "fun and light." "A tunic, a halter, a neckerchief, a trick apron." — lots of people, I promise this, by the way. This is just one of the ways in which The Simpsons, with its weird and peculiar humor, uses to present many polemical themes, such as animal rights or the complete absurdity of the fashion industry.

There are so many cultural references in this song; this one is just a throwback by itself to Disney, and it becomes even more enriched when the episode it is featured in is also a homage to One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Such intertextuality may serve not just for fun but to grasp the episode in a broad cultural context, be able to interact with or comment on popular narratives, or address social issues. "See My Vest" has been highly regarded by critics, who praised the song for its wit and contribution to character revelation for Mr. Burns. The Daily Bruin said that the song "had clever play on words for its lyrics" and "is very reminiscent of the show". Similarly, MSNBC listing Mr. Burns among "TV's top 10 scariest characters" saw him wearing puppy clothes as an effective way to illustrate how his casual musings on the matter are representative of his character.

It is ridiculous, but through infectious melodies and funny rhymes, the song can still at least bring a listener's thoughts regarding consumerism, vanity, and the treatment of animals. It encapsulates perfectly the reason The Simpsons have brought satire from their show into a medium that is now so adaptable and worthy of serious analysis and respect.