John Legend leant his vocal prowess and a dose of satire to the Downton Abbey theme song by adding lyrics to the show’s famous instrumental opener.
Clad in a tuxedo, Legend appeared on Monday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live to perform his rendition of the song on the heels of Downton Abbey’s series finale, which aired Sunday night on PBS. The British period drama ran for six seasons, drawing millions of fans around the globe. Nearly 10 million viewers watched the final season premiere in January.
Legend spared no one in the song, poking fun at individual characters and noting the show’s “very white” cast.
“Everyone we know is very white,” the song began. “We don’t have one black friend.”
After pointing out that everyone in the show has “so many hats to wear”, Legend took aim at the Crawley family matriarch, famously portrayed by Maggie Smith.
“Grandmamma is always such a witch,” Legend sang. “She needs to get laid.”
He then melodiously stated facts about other characters like Mr Bates (“a murderer but he’s a real nice guy”) and Thomas Barrow (“We have a footman who is gay. He’s always carrying a tray”). Legend couldn’t sing about Downton Abbey without shedding light on favorite British period drama pastimes: drinking tea, taking naps, eating scones and gossiping.
“Let’s all ride horses and talk smack,” he sang.
The song peaked and ended as Legend talked smack on Edith, the second Crawley daughter.
“Edith is such a loser, why won’t she just die? Why? Why?” the Oscar-winner warbled.
