I Need A Jew

The song 'I Need A Jew' from the animated television show Family Guy is performed by the character Peter Griffin. The lyrics are a satirical take on Peter's financial troubles and his misguided belief that a Jewish person could solve his problems. The song opens with Peter lamenting his failed attempts to manage his finances, leading him to wish upon a star for a Jewish person to help him. This wish is based on the stereotype that Jewish people are particularly skilled with money and financial matters.

The lyrics continue with Peter expressing frustration over his wife Lois blaming him for their financial woes. He humorously suggests that he needs a Jewish person to teach him how to handle his taxes, using stereotypical Jewish surnames like 'Baum,' 'Steen,' and 'Stein.' The song takes a controversial turn when Peter acknowledges the anti-Semitic trope that Jewish people are often abhorred, yet he personally admires them despite the historical accusation of deicide.

The song concludes with the character Max Weinstein, a Jewish man, appearing and asking to use Peter's phone after his car breaks down. Peter's immediate reaction is one of relief, believing that his financial troubles are over now that he has found a Jewish person. Max's surprised and somewhat offended response, 'Hey!' highlights the absurdity and insensitivity of Peter's assumptions. The song uses humor and satire to critique and expose the ridiculousness of stereotypes, but it also walks a fine line that can be seen as offensive or controversial.