The complex lyrics by Harburg – with clever rhymes such as "Lydia/encyclopedia" and "Amazon/pajamas on" – were inspired by W. S. Gilbert.[1] Harburg made many contemporary references to topical personalities such as Grover Whalen, who opened the 1939 New York World's Fair.
The song was parodied by The Capitol Steps as "Libya, Oh Libya" (the Terrorist Nation) on their album Thank God I'm a Contra Boy[5] and was featured in the 1991 film The Fisher King in reference to Amanda Plummer's character. It was also used as a ringtone in the finale of the American TV show Breaking Bad.