I was recently asked about my favorite song. It is, of course, the Alphabet Song. Why?

Witt du bald ein doctor werden, ohne grosse Muh
Kanst du alle Kunst auf erden, das dirs fahlet nie
Das heist Viel in wenig Stunden,
in dein ABC gefunden . . . .

To be a scholar, very quickly, in an easy way,
For the knowledge that, though earthly, will not quickly fade,
You will get your knowledge faster,
If your ABCs you master.[1. Richard K. MacMaster, Land, Piety, Peoplehood: The Establishment of Mennonite Communities in America 1683-1790 (Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1985), 154.]