Somwhat Inappropriate Sing-Alongs (on a Lighter Note)
A commenter on my post yesterday reminded me of another backwards counting song that starts "five little monkeys". I'm actually very familiar with the Wiggles Aussie version (Sunny LOVES the Wiggles):
Five little joeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Called up the doctor, doctor said
"No more joeys jumping on the bed!"
The first time I heard that Wiggles song a few weeks ago, I was instantly reminded of the shortening bread song. I remember this song very strongly from my childhood, I just don't remember from where. I think the five little monkeys/joeys song is based off of that one, because the tune is almost exactly the same. Here's how I remember the song:
Three little children, lyin' in bed
Two were sick and the other 'most dead
Sent for the doctor and the doctor said,
"Give those children some short'nin' bread."
Mama's little baby loves short'nin', short'nin',
Mama's little baby loves short'nin' bread,
Mama's little baby loves short'nin', short'nin',
Mama's little baby loves short'nin' bread.
I was curious and did a quick search. The original has a fascinating background!
It's been covered by such various artists as Paul Robeson, The Andrews Sisters, The Beach Boys and The Cramps.
The Social Justice Plus Illicit Sex Version, Appalachian Style
Wikipedia Entry
Foster Care System Perspectives
1 comment:
A while back, Josepha Sherman edited a collection of kid's songs called Greasy Grimy Gopher Guts. Most of the variants are from North Carolina, if I remember correctly. It's an interesting book-- I didn't know all of them, or even all the songs they were based on.
The version of Monkeys, Bed, &c that I learned had no tune, just a rhythm.
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