Tom Lehrer, the renowned song satirist and mathematician, has passed away at the age of 97.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tom Lehrer, the beloved song satirist known for his humorous takes on marriage, politics, racism, and the Cold War, eventually stepped back from his music career to focus on teaching mathematics at Harvard and other institutions. He has died at the age of 97.

David Herder, a longtime friend, confirmed that Lehrer passed away on Saturday at his residence in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but did not disclose the cause of death.

Lehrer continued to serve on the math faculty at the University of California at Santa Cruz well into his late 70s. In 2020, he even relinquished his copyright, allowing the public to use his lyrics in any format without charge.

A prodigy from Harvard (where he obtained a math degree at just 18), Lehrer applied his keen intellect to both traditional themes and contemporary issues. His notable songs include “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park,” “The Old Dope Peddler” (set to a melody reminiscent of “The Old Lamplighter”), “Be Prepared” (which humorously critiqued the Boy Scouts), and “The Vatican Rag,” where Lehrer, an atheist, satirized the rituals of the Roman Catholic Church. (Sample lyrics: “Get down on your knees, fiddle with your rosaries. Bow your head with great respect, and genuflect, genuflect, genuflect.”)

Accompanying himself on the piano, he delivered his performances in a vibrant style that echoed the works of musical icons like Gilbert and Sullivan and Stephen Sondheim, the latter being a lifelong friend. Lehrer was often compared to contemporaries such as Allen Sherman and Stan Freberg for his comedic commentary on culture and politics, and he was acknowledged as an influence by artists like Randy Newman and “Weird Al” Yankovic.

He humorously critiqued musical styles he disapproved of (including modern folk songs, rock ‘n’ roll, and contemporary jazz), addressed the looming threat of nuclear destruction, and condemned discrimination.

However, he did so in such an educated and courteous manner that very few took offense.