'Shirley Franklin Song' highlight of 'Too Busy ... '

The improv-comedy show "The Second City: Too Busy to Hate ... Too Hard to Commute" runs through Oct. 26 at the Alliance Theatre.

One of its highlights is a gushy ballad about Mayor Shirley Franklin. Performed by cast member Ric Walker, it comes complete with a soulful shoo-bop chorus. Here's an excerpt of lyrics from the song, by Ed Furman and TJ Shanoff:

"The Shirley Franklin Song"

There's a lady in my life

Who brings such hope and joy

She's in your life too

Shines her light on every girl and boy

But soon this fine lady's gonna walk away

So tonight's my chance for thankin'

Atlanta's honorable 58th mayor

I'm talking 'bout Shirley Franklin

Hey Shirley (Shirley)

Why are you leavin'? (leavin')

I know the law says you have to (have to)

But still, I'm grievin' (grievin')

As mayor (mayor)

You were the very finest yet (finest yet)

Who cares if (who cares)

We're 140 million in debt? (oooh, oooh, debt)

Well you came into office in 2002

With pride, despite critics and reviewers

You planned to spend your time promoting culture and schools

But oh — first you had fix all those pesky sewers (sewers)

So Shirley (Shirley)

At only 5-foot-1, you're kinda short (not too tall)

But Shirley (oooh, girl)

You're big enough to keep guns out of the airport (bang bang, yeah)

Reprinted with permission of Second City