The Q Song

Lyrics by Walter Fox Smith
Tune: The E-ri-e Canal (traditional)

 

Learn more about the physics and history of Q (including two fun quizzes!)

Play recording:

Download recording (mp3)
Vocals: Walter Smith & Marian McKenzie ... Instruments: Jared Cattoor
Download Karoke version (no lead vocal)

Chords & Lyrics: PDF .. Word format

Recording from 2001 (mostly for historical interest, vocals & baritone uke by Walter Smith): mp3

[Up and down arrows are pitch cues.]
Put omega-naught ↓on the top
And gamma down below
For a mass and spring it’s a quality thing!
It’s a magical ratio-o-o
It’s a magical ratio.

Draw a power curve peaked at f,
With a width delta-f just so,
Divide that f by that delta-f –
It’s the very same ratio-o-o
It’s the very same ratio.

[Slowing down at the start and middle of the verse, then a tempo at the end of the verse]
Near zero frequency
The response is kind of slow
Divide that response into the peak response!
It’s again the same ratio-o-o
It’s again the same ratio.

And who is this versatile fraction?
To whom is such ho↓nor due?
She’s the queen serene of the bouncing scene,
But we all just call her Q-oo-oo,
But we all just call her Q.

She’s the queen ser↑ene of the ↑bouncing scene,
But-- we all just call her Q.

Return to PhysicsSongs.org main page

Background image: ID 49576585 © Martin089 | Dreamstime.com