Math Suks
"Math Suks" is a song by Jimmy Buffett, from the album Beach House on the Moon (1999).
| "Math Suks" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Jimmy Buffett | |
| from the album Beach House on the Moon | |
| Released | May 24, 1999 |
| Length | 4:29 |
| Label |
|
| Songwriter(s) | Jimmy Buffett, Roger Guth, Peter Mayer |
| Producer(s) | Russell Kunkel, Michael Utley, Mac McAnally, Tony Brown |
Background
The lyrics tell of the author's frustration as a math student. The song's lyrics refer to hearing the phrase "Math sucks" on an interview on TV, though Buffett later noted that the inspiration actually came from graffiti on a bridge in Key West Florida.[1] Mathematical terms are used in a superficial way in the song, which drew criticism from mathematicians and mathematics teachers.[1][2] The song was condemned by the US National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Education Association for its alleged negative effect on children's education.[1][3] Jon Stewart performed a comedy segment on The Daily Show referencing the song entitled "Math Is Quite Pleasant".[4]
References
- Dana Mackenzie (June 3, 1999). "Irreverent Song Upsets Math Teachers". American Association for the Advancement of Science. Retrieved November 9, 2008. (updated link: https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.284.5421.1763b)
- Picker, S.H. and Berry, J.S. (2000): "Investigating pupils' images of mathematicians". Educational Studies in Mathematics, volume 43, pages 65–94. doi:10.1023/A:1017523230758
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (1999): "A conversation with Jimmy Buffett shows math doesn’t 'suk' after all". NCTM News Bulletin, volume 36, issue 1, pages 1 and 4–5.
- "Math is Quite Pleasant - the Daily Show with Jon Stewart | Comedy Central US". 25 May 1999.