I have two songs stuck in my head today. From the lyrics, you might think that I was feeling blue, but for me these songs remind me of walks with my grandma, talent shows with my cousins, car rides with my parents and childhood in general.
The words are downright depressing, almost laughable even. In fact, my dad always teases my grandma about making them up. Then one year she found an entire book of these sad children's songs. I'll have to ask her what the book is called, or at least what time period these songs originated from.
I fully intend to pass them along to my someday children. Let them enjoy being the quirky kid on the playground singing lilting tunes with morbid poetry.
First...a little ditty about friendship...
Once there lived side by sideTwo little girlsUsed to dress just alikeHair done in curlsBlue gingham pinaforesStockings of redAnd a sweet bonnet tiedOn each pretty headSchool days are overSecrets they tellAs they go hand in handDown by the dellOne day a quarrel rose!Hot tears were shed"I don't wanna play in YOUR yard!"And the other said"I don't wanna play in YOUR yardI don't like you anymoreYou'll be sorry when you see meSliding down my cellar doorYou can't holler down my rain barrelYou can't climb my apple tree!I don't wanna play in YOUR yardIf you can't be good to me!"(we always added a VERY whiney "WAH" at the end.)
And now....a nice song about summer time and babies!
Oh don't you remember a long time agoTwo babes in the woodsTheir names I don't knowWere stolen awayOn a bright summer's dayAnd lost in the woodsI've heard people sayAnd when it was nightSo sad was their plightThe stars did not shineThe moon gave no lightThey sobbed and they sighedAnd they pitifully criedPoor babes in the woodsThey laid down and diedAnd when they were deadThe robins so redTook strawberry leavesAnd over them spreadAnd sang them a songThe whole night longPoor babes in the woodsPoor babes in the woods
Nice! I really do love both of these little songs, but like I said...I associate them with feeling connected to my family rather then the crankiness and death that they seem to actually be about. Hmmm....