Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Our bedtime song

I've tried other songs at bedtime, but the only one that has stuck is Hotel California. I don't know why I picked it up in the first place -- I don't care much for the Eagles -- maybe because it is long and has elements of repetition in it, or because I can somehow remember the words. Regardless, I've been singing it to Jack since he was a baby.

The song is actually quite adaptable to variation. I simply replace about half the nouns with other words, keeping to a theme. One of Jack's favorites is preschool buddy California -- with the nouns replaced with the kids from his (now former) preschool class. A few nights ago I did a Legloland California version that was smashing.

Last night we did 3 versions: preschool buddy, Legoland, and regular (original). Jack interrupted me to ask, "what exactly is colitas anyway?" (pause) I answered, "it's a plant and sometimes people like to burn it," (not a lie!). He was satisfied.

I think I need another rambling song for bedtime... any suggestions?

2 comments:

Hans said...

how about "tangled up in blue" :)

eaucoin said...

I think you ought to adopt as your new song "When I'm 64" by the Beatles. Lyrics follow (lots of potential for adlibbing) and very much heartfelt sentiment:
When I get older losing my hair,
Many years from now.
Will you still be sending me a valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine.

If I'd been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door,
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I'm sixty-four.

You'll be older too,
And if you say the word,
I could stay with you.

I could be handy, mending a fuse
When your lights have gone.
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings go for a ride.

Doing the garden, digging the weeds,
Who could ask for more.
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I'm sixty-four.

Every summer we can rent a cottage,
In the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee
Vera, Chuck & Dave

Send me a postcard, drop me a line,
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, wasting away

Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine for evermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I'm sixty-four.