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"The Saddest Girl in Grade Number Two"

© Chris Mindel

Began in 1987, as shorts for The Tracy Ullman Show, The Simpsons has taken hold as the zenith of what an animated (and human) comedy series can be. And through it all, there has been little Lisa – little eternally eight-year-old Lisa. Lisa who, at the beginning of almost every episode, entertains us with some riff on her saxophone. So, this article is in tribute to a little cartoon girl who shows us that girls can play the big horns.

Lisa is a very intelligent and complex individual. Although only eight, she has had a wide range of life experiences from serving a three-eyed fish for dinner to overcoming a military school. All this experience comes out through her music. Whether she is upset and playing the blues, or serenading her pony (well, her’s for a short time), she uses her sax to pump out emotions that might not be able to be easily expressed. Especially coming from a family like she does!

I think the image of Lisa Simpson is very powerful for the saxophone community. She presents a very positive role model for young girls, for saxophonists, and for people in general. She struggles with adversity and uses her mind to help her solve, often complex, sociological problems. But what I love is the music. Especially the duets. Cue Bleeding Gums Murphy.

When Lisa was at a very low point in her life, she heard a sound. Following that sound, she found Bleeding Gums Murphy – a hardened jazzman who got his name from a lack of dental hygiene. Bleeding Gums has been through a lot. [And sadly, we should use past tense when referring to him, as he is one of the handful of Simpsons (and, really cartoon) characters to actually die.] He uses his music to offload his soul of its burdens. He teaches Lisa the magic music has to purge your soul. All you have to do is play, and the emotion comes through.

So, we have a little girl playing a big horn, and using it and jazz to let her feelings come forth. What a positive advertisement for why music should be supported in the schools. And, The Simpsons has often commented on the lack of support and the major funding cuts that affect the arts in our public schools. But, through it all, Lisa stands as a monument – hard work, soul, and music can make you a better person. And then can help you make the world a better place.

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