The Old Philosopher

For Lilli.
No rights owned or implied.

[@snaaptaker]

I've loved you for nearly 60 years. God bless and RIP, Eddie. And "Never give up--THAT SHIP!!!", Bunky.☺

[@ericn.wilson2345]

RIP Eddie Lawrence, The Old Philosopher. Thanks to him I'LL NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP. (boom boom) THAT. SHIP.

[@WilliamT1964]

This was from the Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary TV special, from 1991. The TV show featured live performances by (in alphabetical order) Benny Bell ("Shaving Cream"), Bill Frenzer of Ogden Edsl ("Dead Puppies"), Eddie Lawrence ("The Old Philosopher"), Bobby "Boris" Pickett ("Monster Mash"), the Temple City Kazoo Orchestra "2001 Kazoostra", Tiny Tim ("Tip-Toe Thru the Tulips With Me"), Uncle Floyd ("Deep in the Heart of Jersey"), Sheb Wooley ("The Purple People Eater"), and "Weird Al".

[@robertgraham399]

I was about 11 or 12 and living on Oahu in the mid-fifties when I first heard the Old Philosopher on the radio. Reminds me now of Galaxy Quest where Tim Allen frequently says, "Never give up. Never surrender." At first, I thought Tim borrowed that idea from The Old Philosopher, but I couldn't find anything on the Internet that supports that thought.

[@lorenwalters1334]

Thank you Dr. Demento for introducing me to all the unique music😊

[@tedburrisrocks2485]

OMG I love this guy SO MUCH. So glad tor this live

[@Dachshund]

Thanks for the memories, Old Philosopher. And Rest In Peace.

[@markm4342]

I loved this old record of my dads when I was a kid and love this video.

[@curtisccr]

I was a firefighter in the Air Force a few decades ago. Had a battalion chief that used to call everyone Bunky.

[@Lurvy1963]

Eddie Lawrence. The voice of Swifty And Shorty from those old Modern Madcap cartoons. For those that are down and depressed, listen to The Old Philosopher and NEVER GIVE UP (boom boom) THAT SHIP!!

[@relsba]

Had forgotten until just now. Brought here from Andy’s Gang. Good memories.

[@royalbleu7406]

My sister's nickname as a child was Bunky. Because of this.

[@jasonbeard4713]

I just acquired film footage of Eddie Lawrence/Lawrence Eisler.

[@donpaul0]

The word "unique" is overused. Eddie IS unique...also an accomplished artist, well educated in music, including opera, and actor. Look him up on Wikipedia to see the breadth of his talents and career.

[@user-ho4nw5sf3w]

My oldest brother Nick name his first son, Bunky. As an I infant he was getting fussy one day. My brother check the diaper, found the problem and asked his infant son if that's what's bothering you Bunky . The Nick name stuck . He is now sixty years old, and is still known as Bunky

[@WilliamT1964]

Totally! Just in the last few months, a local radio station where I live did a spot using the Old Philosopher routine!

[@raymondyorysh7401]

Eddie Lawrence is the voice the Feline Philosopher from Garfield and friends.

[@REMONSTER]

I remember Bunky, I remember....

[@1badhaircut]

this guy was a comedy legend --- often copied by carson - dangerfield - conan - as a tribute --- even today many businesses copy his style to an audience that never heard or heard of him --- thanks for it

[@kevinbutler1955NYC]

This is Eddie Lawrence's last appearance.

[@MRMcdermott]

RIP, Eddie Lawrence. I could link to his obit, but better to just show you the single routine he worked for some 50 years!

[@NancyBurban]

R.I.P. and never give up!

[@philipfries9647]

May he rest in peace.

[@billbuschgen520]

Love!

[@walterfechter8080]

"...is that's what's botherin' ya, Bozo?"

[@WilliamT1964]

"Bunky", not "Bozo".

[@walterfechter8080]

@@WilliamT1964 Years ago, I heard the Old Philosopher on an old Dr. Demento radio show. The Old Philosopher did his schtick that concluded with "Bozo." 🤡 I remember it very well. Cheers. -- W

[@JNash317]

Adam Sandler's inspiration.

[@mrmjb1960]

The Old Philosopher and King Solomon's Mines was the greatest CORAL single?

[@waynecotter4812]

This is great! Any details on when it was performed, where it was performed?

[@samlongoria5268]

Bless you, Eddie Lawrence, The Old Philosopher. You made the world a better place, by underlining just how bad things can get. samlongoria.com

[@cavalierfan1995]

.....and you dont hear your girl screaming anymore???

[@hapilydamaged]

is THAT what's bothering you, bubbie?

[@sherrymacaroni5916]

I wish i could make out all the words on the upbeat choruses... can anyone help? I hear "take a walk in the park" but other lines i can't make out?????

[@WilliamT1964]

Well LIFT your head up HIGH and take a walk in the SUN, with that dignity and stick-to-it'veness...and you SHOW THE WORLD! YOU SHOW THEM WHERE TO GET OFF! YOU'LL NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP...THAT...SHIP!!

[@sherrymacaroni5916]

@@WilliamT1964 thankyou William!

[@albertnager107]

Shezam!

[@simonsbuddy1806]

Great bit...but the suicide by handgun ending is, today, no longer funny. I wasn't expecting that.

[@JCJasion]

It never was. Bell Records issued a cover version of this that was identical EXCEPT for the ending. "This is The Old Philosophet speaking, With a reminder, That the happiest person..... IS The man with the MOST MONEY!"