Jonathan Richman back in the day. (Handout)

So what does the author of the Modern Lovers classic “Roadrunner” think of the legislative effort to make it the official rock song of Massachusetts? Globe music critic James Reed tried to reach Jonathan Richman for his story about Dorchester Representative Marty Walsh ’s bill, but Richman didn’t respond before the story, which is running in Sunday’s Arts section, went to press. Friday, though, Reed received an e-mail from Richman’s assistant, Les Gripkey. “I spoke with Jonathan about your request and this was his comment,” wrote Gripkey. ‘“Thank you so much, it’s very flattering . . . but I don’t think the song is good enough to be a Massachusetts song of any kind.’” Gripkey goes on to say that Richman, who’s nothing if not quirky, might be willing to write something more on the subject, which he could send to Reed “via the (US Postal Service) or fax.”