Get Ready for All Those “April Fools” this Sunday! Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Garrison Keillor’s radio show, Prairie Home Companion, often has a “Joke Show” around April Fool’s Day, so we thought we’d chime in with a classic that many musicians already know, but may enjoy being reminded – or it may be new to them. If you’ve ever done any gigging, you’ll be able to relate!
Saint Peter was getting a little bored checking in souls at the Pearly Gates, so he thought he’d change things up a little bit for some variety as three new entrants appeared before him.
He asked the first fellow in line, “How much money did you make down on earth?”
The man replied, “About $300,000 a year.”
“Well, that’s pretty impressive, ” said Saint Peter. “What did you do to earn that?”
“I was a surgeon,” was the reply.
“So why do you think you deserve to come into heaven?” asked Saint Pete.
“Well, I admit I made a lot of money, but I saved a lot of lives in the process,” said the surgeon.
“I suppose you’re right.” said Saint Peter. “You may come in.”
The second man stepped up and Saint Peter again asked how much money he had made back down on earth.
The man said, “About $500,000 a year.”
“Wow!” exclaimed Saint Peter. “And what did you do to deserve that?”
“I was a lawyer,” he said.
“And why do you think I should let you into heaven?” asked the Saint.
“Okay – I did make a lot of money, but I helped an awful lot of people.”
“I suppose you’re right.” said Saint Peter. “You may come in.”
The third fellow now stood before Saint Peter.
“So, how much money did you make back on earth?” asked the holy man.
“Oh, about $15,000 a year.” said the man.
“And what did you do?” asked Saint Peter.
“I was a jazz musician,” he replied.
“So why do you think you deserve to get into heaven?” asked the Saint.
“Well, I admit I didn’t save people like the surgeon or help people like the lawyer, but I made a lot of people happy!” said the musician.
“I suppose you’re right.” said Saint Peter. “You may come in. But could you come in through the kitchen?”