It all started when Bambi had just turned one. Our wee gazelle was an early talker and had several multi-syllabic words under her belt by her first birthday. She could also sing sentences. Yes, sing. She couldn't talk in sentences but could sing full song verses. Strange, but true.
So there we were driving somewhere (I know not where) when our little cherub piped up with,
Cheap wine and a three day growth, oh yeah!
A long look was shared between good man and good woman and Cold Chisel was summarily ejected from the CD player.
All of a sudden we were faced with the not insignificant challenge of finding music for the car that would not result in a visit from Child Services. And that we could bear to listen to as well. Bambi favoured her Rhythm Time CDs. These were sweet to start but got increasingly annoying with each turn of the wheels on the car.
I discovered Dan Zanes (very bearable) and Laurie Berkner (sometimes catchy, sometimes not so much). All seemed on track until my daughter got a lift in a friend's car and came home demanding the 'Doo doop' song. At first I thought she'd been listening to the Andrews Sisters, which seemed odd but innocent enough. It then transpired that my dear friend Janet had been playing the Fratellis for my daughter's listening pleasure. And the 'doo -doop' in question was the opening refrain to Chelsea Dagger.
To be fair I rather enjoy the Fratellis. They're a Glasgow outfit with an upbeat indie sound that now forms the soundtrack to my time in Scotland. That said, their lyrics can get a wee bit hinky. For example I may get concerned if Bambi starts a rousing chorus of She gets naked for a living, she aint afraid of giving, ah huh... in the aisles of Tesco. Or lets rip with He's been out for days, in a deep malaise in her nursery school.
But, for now, enough of me is relieved for the respite from Baa Baa Black Sheep. She can have her doo doop CD. I'll just hum along loudly.
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21 comments:
Your Bambi is probably way cooler on the music knowledge front than me! I know nothing of contemporary music, but much about Dan Zane and Laurie Berkner!
My wife, apparently, was a huge fan of the Hair soundtrack as a child, and at age 3 regaled her grandparents with a chorus of "Sodomy" -- of which the title is just the beginning of the nasty words.
Luckily, the grandparents didn't know what any of the rest of them were...
You are just ripe for discovering The Singing Kettle. In fact, I can't believe you haven't already been introduced. Ask any Scottish friend with small children to lend you a video. Have just discovered Laurie Berkner m'self from local library. In fact, I described it to Husband as "America's answer to the Singing Kettle".
Sadly, the very hilarious "Happy Gang" has disbanded, but if you ever see a video in a charity shop called "Tartan Adventure" - pick it up. Hilarious take on Scottish life for pre-schoolers.
Oh, by the way, you could try Trout Fishing in America... they're fun and sorta adult-compatible.
too funny! I love those toddler tales of linguistic prowess. We were waiting in A VERY LONG line at the butcher's when Q was twoish; I had her in arms, and she piped up loudly (of course)"Mom why do you need a breast? You have two breast, see?" she said patting mine down for emphasis.
No songs just blushing.
Hi Annie - not sure about cool - eclectic certainly.
Doodaddy - brilliant!
Iota - I'll have a look on eBay. Sounds like a good momento of our time in Scotland.
Hi Lady M. Bambi's godmother arrived yesterday and was telling her about the Blue-footed Boobies she saw in the Galapagos. Bambi's response was to do a quick booby audit all of her own. The joys!
Poor little innocent! Can't argue with the sentiments of the wine nd the growth though...
SAHD - you're right about her innocence - it's a very age appropriate filter for raunchy lyrics.
My little girl teaches me songs. Some of them quite unrepeatable!!
Lovely blog, Crystal x
Thanks Crystal. Bambi's currently just teaching me to pay more attention to lyrics.
When I was little I liked Cliff Richard. Not too cool! I then got into Abba which is much more respectable. Bambi has much cooler music tastes than I had. Respect is due.
Actually Gwen, she rather fancies herself a dancing queen too.
i have no suggstions for you but this post made me laugh.
Thanks Laurie. Please drop by again.
Oh dear. I can empathize. I heard my daughter singing in the back of the mini van the other day…”ohh ohhh when I touch myself” She is 13, but still retains a amount of charming naiveté. I asked her point blank if she knew what she was singing about. She did not. So I took the liberty to explain and asked if she wanted her grandparents to hear her singing on the topic. I don’t think she will be singing it again. She turned several interesting shades of red.
Yes, Mary Alice. Sometimes the answer (to the issue) is definitely in the question (Grandma asks!). Thanks for the visit.
There is no accounting for the musical tastes of small children! My baby girl loves the "sings the times tables" cd which she insists on (she is four) and I try to insist on nursery tunes instead but she is having none of it. It makes me sound so very pushy. I don't like her knowing her times tables at all - particularly not so young. Why does she take after her super brainey daddy so effortlessly?
Dulwichmum - the times tables? v impressive.
TGW - my parents used to play comedy songs for us - do you know Flanders & Swann? They're both dead now but their stuff is very funny still, suitable for all ages and very singable. Other than that I will date myself further by adding that we also got played The 5th Dimension and other flower child 60s music! Good luck!
Hi Dulwich Mum - do they make the times tables rhyme? That would be some comfort.
Flanders and Swann you say Sparx - will have a look on eBay.
Rodrigo, ummmm, any translators in the house???
Hmmm now that's a new thought! Lyrics weren't on my list of child-friendly items, thanks for pointing it out! :)
Long ago my car was full of Sesame Street and Wee Sing cassette tapes. (I did say long ago!) Now that the kids are older, we get books on tape for long trips. Sometimes it's hard to decide on something appropriate for 16 and also for 8, but usually all are happy to be entertained while we drive.
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