Joseph Smith American Moses

The song "Joseph Smith American Moses" from the musical "The Book of Mormon" is a satirical retelling of the founding of the Mormon religion. The musical, created by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone, is known for its irreverent humor and sharp social commentary. This particular song humorously narrates the story of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, blending historical events with absurd and fantastical elements.

The lyrics begin by setting the scene in 1823 in upstate New York, where Joseph Smith is depicted as a simple farmer who receives divine revelations. The song exaggerates and distorts these events for comedic effect, introducing bizarre scenarios such as Smith being instructed by God to engage in absurd acts to cure his ailments. The narrative also includes the appearance of the angel Moroni, who gives Smith golden plates with directions to a new land, leading to the establishment of the Mormon community.

As the story progresses, the song introduces Brigham Young, another significant figure in Mormon history, with equally outlandish and humorous depictions. The Mormons' journey to their promised land, Salt Lake City, is portrayed with a mix of struggle and absurdity, highlighting themes of perseverance and community. Despite the hardships, including illness and death, the Mormons remain united and eventually reach their destination, where they are humorously welcomed by Jesus and encouraged to build large families.

The song uses satire to explore themes of faith, leadership, and community, while also poking fun at the more fantastical elements of religious narratives. It reflects the musical's broader critique of organized religion and its ability to inspire both devotion and absurdity in equal measure.