Song Challenge! - Part 54

Subject: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 09:34 AM

Here we go again, dear Challenge!rs -- no lusty monkeys this time, but a return to childhood in these first days of summer 2001. I'm dedicating this one to Hank Ketchum, the creator of Dennis the Menace, who went to that great drawing board in the sky a couple of weeks ago. So, pull on your baby blue overalls and your red Keds sneakers, stick a slingshot in your back pocket, and Go For It, Challenge!rs!! . . .

The Case of the Cheerio Highwayman -- TACOMA, Washington (AP) -- Seven-year-old Perley King got into big trouble for driving off in his sister's car in search of his favorite cereal. But he's getting his Cheerios.

Early on April 1, while other family members slept, Perley and his dog, Bear, climbed into the car. Relying on skills learned at a computer game, the boy drove three miles in search of a food store.

In his drive to fame, Perley navigated some of the city's busiest streets by alternately stepping on the gas pedal, then climbing on the seat to steer, chugging along toward the food store.

The spin landed Perley in hot water, but also earned him television appearances and buckets of newspaper ink. His single-minded devotion to his favorite breakfast cereal will also have material rewards.

Representatives from Minnesota-based General Mills planned to visit Perley, his parents, Dwayne and Jeanne King, and six brothers and sisters at their Tacoma home this week. It means Perley can look forward to a year's supply of Cheerios and other surprises. He also may receive a new bicycle.

"So he'll never have to drive to the store again," said General Mills spokeswoman Liv Lane.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Amos
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 09:44 AM

The Highwaytot

The sun was a glow on the treeline
The wind it blew gentle and low
The windows of town were still darkened
Looking out on the streets below.
From a split-level far off Main Street
Propped up on his tippy-toes
Young Perly King came driving,
Driving, driving!
Young Perly King came driving
Looking for Cheerios.

Well.. it's a start!

A

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 09:54 AM

And a great start, too! Looking forward to seeing the rest, dear Amos (hint, hint, hint) ;-)

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Dharmabum
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 01:31 PM

THE OUTLAW PERLEY KING
You've heard about Baby Face Nelson
Heard tales about Billy The Kid
A new outlaw comes out of Tacoma
And this is what Perley King did.

Some folks go coo coo for Cocopuffs
Some need their snap,crackle,pop
It was neither for young Master Perley
For it was Cheerios put him over the top.

He'd sat down for breakfast that morning
At his side his trusted dog Bear
But poor Perley was thus dissapointed
When he found no Cheerios there.

He ravaged the cupboard that morning
In his heart he harbored hope still
He found wares of the Quaker & Kellogg
But no sign of the General Mill.

At this hour with all deep in slumber
Knowing better than attempt to awake
An idea came to young Master Perley
From his sister her car he would take.

Now they say in this age of great wisdom
Technology's gone way too far
But while Perley was playing his gameboy
He'd learned about driving a car.

Too small to reach both the pedals
Too young to see over the wheel
Overcoming this small inconvenience
He was off in search of his meal.

On his way to the local market
And making quite excellent time
He was spotted by Tacomas finest
And apprehended in the progress of crime.

Now our story would normally end here
But who could've possibly guessed
Young Perley would have fame fall upon him
All because of his Cheerios quest.

The admongers back at the office
Heard the tale of our young Perley King
And the General back at the Mill
Saw this as a lucrative thing.

"He'll be hotter than Life's Little Mikey"
"He'll be famous from his head to his toes"
"And as we're raking in profits"
"We'll pay him off in Cheerios.

DB.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 01:35 PM

Oooooohhhh, Dharmabum -- I feel a Memorial MMario Silverplated Spittoon being shined up for that one!! Fantastic!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Dharmabum
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 01:44 PM

Thankyew.......Thankyew.........

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Amos
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 03:54 PM

Dang, DB, you sure are heating up the competition around hyar!!! Good shew!

A

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: JenEllen
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 05:01 PM

Under the Table and Scheming

That little squirming crying thing
I was here when he was born
He didn't move or play tug-of-war
His howl was so forlorn
Now he's grown into a boy
The bravest boy I know
We run and play and throw the ball
And share the milk in the Cheerios

Early that morning I followed him right down
Into the kitchen, there wasn't a sound
Except my toenails on the kitchen floor
And the boy scooting the chair across to reach the cabinet door

He got the bowl, he got the spoon, and then I heard him sigh
It seemed our favorite cereal had all gone 'bye-bye'
The two of us sat on the floor, breakfast, it was through
But then my boy, my brave brave boy, he knew just what to do

That little squirming crying thing
I was here when he was born
He didn't move or play tug-of-war
His howl was so forlorn
Now he's grown into a boy
The bravest boy I know
We run and play and throw the ball
And share the milk in the Cheerios

He scooted his chair to mommy's purse and got out Mommy's keys
He jingled the little shiny things as my big brown eyes said 'ride? please?'
I love to go for rides, you know, and as he opened up the door
I wished he'd roll my window down instead of crawling on the floor

I sat there in the front seat as my boy slid all around
Off to get us some Cheerios, we chugged right into town
The blinking lights, the siren's horn, hurt my eyes and ears
But the boy knows the only thing to do in trouble, is just turn on the tears
Mom and Dad hugged my boy, and patted me on the head
All we wanted was our cereal, and they were still in bed

Now, I get my breakfast, every day it never fails
I sit beneath my boy's chair, bide my time, and wag my tail
And pretty soon that spoon will drop, with the cereal we both like
It's the only thing that's better than chasing the tires on his new bike

That little squirming crying thing
I was here when he was born
He didn't move or play tug-of-war
His howl was so forlorn
Now he's grown into a boy
The bravest boy I know
We run and play and throw the ball
And share the milk in the Cheerios

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 05:21 PM

Beautiful, JenEllen! That's a heart string tugger if there ever was one. Do you have a tune in mind for this song? I'd love to hear someone sing it.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: JenEllen
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 05:33 PM

Well....(blushing furiously)...the tune running through my head at the time was 'The Pirhana Women of the Avacado Jungle of Death'...I didn't imagine a dog would be that picky.... so anyone feel free to write their own tune!

~J

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Dharmabum
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 05:35 PM

I love it Jen!

DB.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Rollo
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 05:52 PM

"Pearly gets up early"

sing it to the melody of "Billy Barlow"

1.
Let`s get up early, Li`l Doggie my dear,
Let`s get up early, says Pearly
Let`s get up early, says Pearly to Bear,
Fine with me! answers the Dog to the Boy

2.
I am so hungry, Li´l Doggy my dear,
Stomache is groaning, says Pearly
I am so hungry, says Pearly to Bear,
go to the kitchen, says Dog to the Boy

3.
Where are the Corn Flakes, li`l Doggy, my dear,
Where are the Corn Flakes, says Pearly
Where are my Corn Flakes, says Pearly to Bear,
Wanna gnaw Bone? says Dog to the Boy

4.
Lets go a-shopping, li`l Doggy my dear,
let`s go a shopping, says Pearly
let`s go a-shopping, says Pearly to Bear,
let`s go to toilet, says Dog to the Boy

5.
Too far to go walking, li`l Doggy my dear,
Too far to go walking, says Pearly
Too far to go walking, says Pearly to Bear,
Then take the Car, answers Dog to the Boy

6.
How shall I steer it, li`l Doggy my dear,
How shall I steer it, asks Pearly
How shall I steer it, says Pearly to Bear,
Live is a game, answers Bear to the Boy

7.
We`ll hit some trouble, li`ll Doggy my dear,
We`ll hit some trouble, says Pearly
We`ll hit some trouble, says Pearly to Bear,
We`ll hit the Front Page, says Bear to the Boy!

line breaks fixed by mudelf ;-)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Rollo
Date: 11 Jun 01 - 05:53 PM

I NEVER will learn how to set the line breaks correctly! *groan*

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 10:44 AM

Here is the first set (I hope there'll be more) of Silver B.L.O.B.s (Best Lines O' Bull) for the Cheerio Challenge! Great, great stuff so far, and I hope that the rest of you Challenge!rs are sharpening your pencils . . .

To Dharmabum for:

Some folks go coo coo for Cocopuffs
Some need their snap,crackle,pop
It was neither for young Master Perley
For it was Cheerios put him over the top.

To JenEllen for:

That little squirming crying thing
I was here when he was born
He didn't move or play tug-of-war
His howl was so forlorn
Now he's grown into a boy
The bravest boy I know
We run and play and throw the ball
And share the milk in the Cheerios

And to Rollo for:

We`ll hit some trouble, li`ll Doggy my dear,
We`ll hit some trouble, says Pearly
We`ll hit some trouble, says Pearly to Bear,
We`ll hit the Front Page, says Bear to the Boy!

Wunnerful, wunnerful entries so far -- so keep it up, Challenge!rs!!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:06 AM

another fragment....

Tune: I ride an Old Paint

I drove my mom's car, to the grocery store
'cause the pantry was empty there weren't any more
I won't eat no corn flakes, or sh-red-ded wheat
So I and my dog we went out on the street

Drive around, Tacoma children, drive to find your Cheerios
For Perley and Bear are rarin' to go.

line break & italics added by mudelf ;-)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Clifton53
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 01:09 PM

The Streets of Tacoma

As I drove around in the streets of Tacoma
Me and the Bear, was just lookin' for grub
I was feelin' quite hungry,but that's a misnoma
I was Jonsin' for Cheerios and that's the truth Bub

For the milk and the crunch I would drive to Biloxi
And the Bear, he don't care, he just wants to go
For a boy of just seven, I am pretty foxy
So I set out this morning a'drivin' real slow

Three miles downtown and my search it was over
That bright yellow box calls my name as I glance
And back through the traffic,that big car, I wove her
If your treadin' on thin ice you might as well dance

Well me and the Bear got our asses quite reddened
Though the pain on Dad's face showed a glimmer of pride
And Mom was just glad that we didn't get deadened
And my sister said 'good for ya' as they tanned up my hide

So don't drive around the streets of your city
Unless my good friends, you're at least 9 or 10
For I was too young, and more is the pity
In a couple more years I will try it again

Clifton

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Dharmabum
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 01:30 PM

MMario,Clifton,

I am in awe.

DB.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 01:39 PM

Wow, Clifton -- that's a great song! Here's your Silver B.L.O.B. for:

Three miles downtown and my search it was over
That bright yellow box calls my name as I glance
And back through the traffic,that big car, I wove her
If your treadin' on thin ice you might as well dance

Amos and MMario -- you've both given us a tantalizing taste of your talent, so get busy and finish your songs! . . . puh-leeze . . .

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 01:39 PM

hey - I see a pretty good entry up above over your name there!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Clifton53
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 03:04 PM

I must confess a bit of theft in the' thin ice' line. It's from an old Jesse Winchester song and I've been using it in conversation for years, but it is just such a good line and I thought it fit well.

Great job all, let's have some more.

Clifton

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Rollo
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 06:59 PM

Mudelf, many, many thanks for fixing the lines in my song! I never will understand why sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn`t when using this editor of mine...

but I also don`t understand why my fridge is freezing my milk to ice while in the same time the ice-cubes melt. Or why my socks get holes when I put them into the tumbler. What do you think, are there gremlins in my plugholes? Or am I just too intelligent to operate so simple devices like fridges, Light switches and radios?

Rollo (still polishing his silver B.L.O.B. and praising HER)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Amos
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 08:20 PM

Yeah, Rollo, that's what it is -- you're overqualified to use socks. Right!

A

Subject: verse two
From: MMario
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 08:57 AM

While Mom and Dad slept, I climbed in the car
couldn't reach the gas pedal, it was too far!
so I hopped up and down, give it gas and then steer
While Bear kept watch for the cops out the rear!

Drive around, Tacoma children, drive to find your Cheerios
For Perley and Bear are rarin' to go.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 09:17 AM

That's a great second verse, MMario -- keep 'em coming!!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,SharonA
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 09:50 AM

Hi, Aine and company -

Is it okay to submit two entries? You guys have really inspired me!

(1) To be sung to the tune of "The Star-Spangled Banner" (everybody stand up!):

Oh say, can you see by the dawn's early light
Who we thought was in bed at the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad smile and bright eyes through the perilous flight
Down the road in the car were so carelessly dreaming
That he'd buy Cheerios
While his parents still doze,
Though he's much too young
To be driving, he knows?
Oh say, does that Cheerio craver yet ride
With his knees on the seat
And his dog by his side?


(2) To be sung to the tune of Billy Joel's "The Ballad of Billy the Kid":

From a house, in a town known as Tacoma
Strode a boy with a car key in his hand
And his tale of derring-do
Would thrill the townsfolk through and through
West to east all across this land.

Well, he started up the Mustang in the driveway
Then the young child known to all as Perly King
Put the car into drive
Wond'rin' if he'd be alive
Long enough to taste one more oat ring.

Well, he never woke his folks up
When he never found at home
Any traces of a box of Cheerios;
And he never asked permission
But he never drove alone
For his trusty dog goes ev'rywhere he goes.

Well, he headed for the grocery store on Main Street
And he didn't drive a car before that day,
But his passenger could tell
That his Nintendo taught him well
How to brake and steer along the way.

When he fin'lly got pulled over three miles later,
The policeman wrote him up for what he did
And his sister gave him heck
For risking her car and his neck
To earn the name of: The Cheerio Kid.

Now he always wakes his folks up;
They won't let him eat alone.
Gen'ral Mills sent him a case of Cheerios.
Though he never asked permission
When he drove, almost alone,
On TV he came up smellin' like a rose.

In a car, in a driveway in Tacoma
Sat a girl with a Club held in her hand.
As it locked, she hid the key
So that her brother would not be
Driving once more across this land.

line breaks fixed by mudelf ;-)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,SharonA
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 09:54 AM

Oops! Typo!

In the second song, second verse, it sould read: PUT the car into drive!

Somebody please teach me how to make line breaks; hard returns don't seem to work! Thanks.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 10:06 AM

Sharon, multiple entries is A-ok! And officially (see the rule book, Chapter 12, subsection 41A, paragraph III as appended by sub-paragraph iib )

entries to a song challenge can occur at any time from the instigation of the challenge until the heat death of the universe or Cletus taking a bath voluntarily; whichever occurs first

if you check out the Newcomer Guide/FAQ thread at the top of the forum listings you will find html instructions for the line breaks.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 10:19 AM

Hey Sharon! Great stuff there, girl -- and you can enter the Challenge! as many times as you want to!!

Here's your first Silver B.L.O.B.s for:

Oh say, does that Cheerio craver yet ride
With his knees on the seat
And his dog by his side?

and

Now he always wakes his folks up;
They won't let him eat alone.
Gen'ral Mills sent him a case of Cheerios.
Though he never asked permission
When he drove, almost alone,
On TV he came up smellin' like a rose.

Well done indeed!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Trapper
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 04:26 PM

Here you go Aine!

- Al

MUNCH, MUNCH, MUNCH
Tune: FUN, FUN, FUN
Words by: Al Boyce

Well I got my sister's car
And we cruised to the Seven-Eleven
I'd steer a little while, then gas it
'Til the motor was revvin'
When we get our Cheerios, Bear and me
Will be like we're in heaven!

And then we'll munch, munch, munch
'Til the Cheerios have all gone away

My dog and me got up when the moon was still
Low in the sky now
(Low in the sky now really low in the sky)
My Cheerios were gone, and I nearly started to cry now
(He started to cry now nearly started to cry)
I get in trouble when I wake mom and dad
But the food store's nearby now
(He's too little to drive now never make it alive!)

And then we'll munch, munch, munch
'Til the Cheerios have all gone away

I knew playing "Speed Racer" on my Gameboy
Wasn't wasting my time now
(Not wasting his time, no not wasting his time)
Tacoma's streets are really easier
Cause most of 'em are in a straight line now
(In a straight line now not the curvier kind)
I was doin' pretty good, til the P'liceman
Found the car wasn't mine now!
(You shouldn't have lied now you shouldn't have lied)

And then we'll munch, munch, munch
'Til the Cheerios have all gone away
(Munch, munch, munch 'til the Cheerios have all gone away)

And then we'll munch, munch, munch
'Til the Cheerios have all gone away
(Munch, munch, munch once the swelling from the spank goes away)

And then we'll munch, munch, munch
'Til the Cheerios have all gone away
(Munch, munch, munch and Gen'ral Mills is going to pay!)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 04:30 PM

applause

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: mousethief
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 04:39 PM

Trapper, that was swell! You from tacoma? In fact the streets are MUCH straighter and less curvy than Seattle.

Alex

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Trapper
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 04:52 PM

Alex-

Nope, Minneapolis here. But I've been to Tacoma, and was given pause to remark upon the uncurviness of the streets there! ;-D

Thanks!

- Al

PS - ALL of the entries thus far in this contest are superb! WTG Amos, Dharmabum, JenEllen, Rollo, MMario, Clifton and SharonA (twice!)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Dharmabum
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 05:42 PM

WOW!!!!!!

db

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Trapper
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 05:49 PM

OOPS! I missed Clifton! GOOD JOB!!!

-Al

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Clifton53
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 06:46 PM

Nice job Trapper, the parentheses are a lot of fun!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: mousethief
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 07:02 PM

Aye, nice job everyone! I haven't thought about that old Billy Joel song for a month of Sundays.

Cheerios Love
To the tune of "Radar Love"

I been hungry all night, my folks sleeping downstairs
Gotta have Cheerios, ain't none there
My stomach's rumblin', says I need to eat!
And it's half past four and outside I creep...

Chorus:
When I get hungry and I need those toasty O's
I use the skills I learned from playing Nintendos
I don't need to wake dad at all!
I gotta thing, it's called Cheerios Love
I gotta drive through the night.....
--Cheerios Love.

The radio plays some forgotten song
My munchies are really comin' on strong
Turn on the car, here I go!
Drivin' off down the street, drivin' real real slow

Chorus

No more gas I'm almost there
Gotta park the car now, just me and Bear
Then the sirens wail the police car song--
One more Cheerio lover gone!

Chorus

Copyright © 2001 Alex Riggle. All Rights Reserved.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 07:12 PM

You're right there, Trapper, all the songs so far ARE superb!!

Jus' came in from diggin'
With that pickaxe of mine
So I'll give out some more B.L.O.B.s
'Cuz your songs are so fine

Here's one to Trapper for:

My dog and me got up when the moon was still
Low in the sky now
(Low in the sky now really low in the sky)
My Cheerios were gone, and I nearly started to cry now
(He started to cry now nearly started to cry)
I get in trouble when I wake mom and dad
But the food store's nearby now
(He's too little to drive now never make it alive!)

And one to mousethief for:

No more gas I'm almost there
Gotta park the car now, just me and Bear
Then the sirens wail the police car song--
One more Cheerio lover gone!

I'd just like to add here that I think all you Challenge!rs have kept to the feeling of this Challenge! -- I just know that Hank (and the Menace) would be proud of all of ya'll!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,Bardford
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 12:50 PM

Once again, I am in awe. Breakfast songs are the most important songs of the day, and you folks have supplied much more than the recommended daily allowance. You slay me! You are killers! Cereal killers! Sorry, getting a little flaky there.With apologies to Johnny Cash, I respectfully bring to the table the following:

Cereal Blues

Early one morning after makin' my bed
I took a shot of milk and went to get myself fed.
Looked in the cupboard for my cereal
Weren't no Cheerios for to make me a meal.

I was hungry so I took the key
Of my big sister's brand new LTD.
I started that car and stood up on the seat
Ever-lovin' puppy dog down at my feet.

Cruisin' 90 goin' over that hill
We got pulled over by Policeman Bill.
I made a good run but I run too slow
Ain't gonna taste no yummy oaty O's.

When I was arrested I was dressed in black
Star Wars jammies with Darth Vader on the back.
Cop said- "Seven years is much too young to drive,
You and Bear are lucky that you're still alive."

Yes, Oh yes my name is Perly King
If you've got a warrant you better show me that thing.
I'm just a kid but you can't give me no blame
I learned to drive from a Nintendo game.

Sent to my bedroom I guess I'd be there still
But in walks the CEO of General Mills.
Perly King your name is world-renowned
The Cheerio-lovin' kid they chased all over town.

The man he smiled as the flashbulbs popped:
'The flow of Cheerios will never stop.'
Rest of my life I'm gonna get up early
Stuff Honey-Nut Cheerios into Perly.

Come all you hungry kids and listen unto me
Play on Nintendo and learn to drive an LTD.


copyright 2001 etc..

Cheers, Bardford

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 01:54 PM

Geez Bardford, you sure made it hard to pick which verse to award the Silver B.L.O.B. -- this is the one that made me grin the biggest, so it gets the prize:

When I was arrested I was dressed in black
Star Wars jammies with Darth Vader on the back.
Cop said- "Seven years is much too young to drive,
You and Bear are lucky that you're still alive."

Well done!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,SharonA
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 05:55 PM

Áine:

I'm so very sorry, but I must decline your S.L.O.B. award for the verse in my second song. Because I had made so many corrections to my hard copy, I neglected to notice that I had used the word "alone" twice instead of rhyming it with another word. In my own work, I consider that to be inexcusable.

If possible, I would like to amend the verse to read:

Now he always wakes his folks up; They won't let him eat alone. Gen'ral Mills sent him a case of Cheerios. Though he never asked permission When he drove away from home, On TV he came up smellin' like a rose.

Normally I don't care to cheat by rhyming words that end with "n" and those that end with "m", but since Mr. Joel did so in the original song of which this is a parody, I felt it was appropriate.

Please forgive me for being so eager to respond to your challenge that I submitted such sloppy work. I hope you will think kindly of me as a "first-timer" and overlook my glaring error.

With best regards,
SharonA

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: mousethief
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 05:58 PM

SharonA, don't beat yourself up. Your song was great, and is even greater with the new verse.

If slant rhymes were disallowed, no folk music would ever get sung!

Alex

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Rollo
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 07:21 PM

Heya! Bardford, that one rocks! But by the while I get the feeling I must urgently look out for a german importer of CHEERIOS... what a mighty stuff... To force a seven-year old dog owner into driving a car... that must be POWER... or drugs of course.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,Bardford
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 09:11 PM

Thanks Rollo! But don't waste your time trying to import Cheerios. They are actually quite bland, and as far as I know contain no drugs other than the regular toxic additives you find in breakfast cereal. If they did, I could put up with the blandness. Also, are gremlins in the plughole a distinctly German concern, or should I have my (Canadian) plugholes investigated?:-)
Cheers, Bardford

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 08:25 AM

Dear SharonA -- Nope, you can't give a B.L.O.B. back once you've been awarded one. Please see the Rule Book, Chapter 49, subsection 7B(IX)(iii) for details. But, don't worry, the Keeper of the Book tries to make any requested corrections to lyrics before they're posted in the Songbook. ;-)

And Bardford -- I disagree with your description of Cheerios -- they're GREAT -- especially for moms; because they're NOT covered in sugar, and you can put bananas, strawberries and blueberries on top, therefore tricking your progeny into eating something that's good for them.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 08:48 AM

the multi-grain Cheerios aren't bad.

of course my nephew took an aversion to them at a very young age, though his sister nearly lived on them. she used to chase him around threatening to touch him with one...

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 10:20 AM

That's a great image for putting in a song, MMario (hint, hint, oh-not-so-subtle hint) . . .

-- Áine (who's still waiting for Amos and yourself to offer up your entries...)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 10:39 AM

someday! *grin* (hey, I doubled the number of my verses...)

right now getting ready for my summer marathon of ren-faire and old songs - and trying to get through the backlog of "found" DT tunes.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 12:05 PM

Tsk, tsk, MMario -- those excuses are not acceptable . . . please see the Rule Book, Chapter 69(a)(2b)(IV)(5) for details . . . beware of incurring the wrath of TGG . . .

It looks like the Keeper of the Book will have to substitute for MMario here -- this offering is pretty weak; but, sometimes you have to sacrifice quality for quickness . . .

Naughty Perley
(Tune: Charming Billy)

Oh where have you been, Perley boy, Perley boy?
Oh where have you been, Naughty Perley?
To the store in sister's car,
And now I'm a TV star,
I'm a good boy, who would not wake his mother.

Oh what did you do, Perley boy, Perley boy?
Oh what did you do, Naughty Perley?
When I found the cupboard bare,
I took a ride down to the square,
I'm a good boy, who would not wake his mother.

Oh which way did you go, Perley boy, Perley boy?
Oh which way did you go, Naughty Perley?
Through the bushes, grazing trees,
I was hopping like a flea,
I'm a good boy, who would not wake his mother.

Oh what did you see, Perley boy, Perley boy?
Oh what did you see, Naughty Perley?
Not too much, I have to say,
The steering wheel was in the way,
I'm a good boy, who would not wake his mother.

Oh what did you buy, Perley boy, Perley boy?
Oh what did you buy, Naughty Perley?
I got busted at the store,
And told I can't drive anymore,
I'm a good boy, who would not wake his mother.

Oh what did you learn, Perley boy, Perley boy?
Oh what did you learn, Naughty Perley?
That if you make it on the telly,
CEOs turn into jelly,
I'm a good boy, who would not wake his mother.

-- Áine

Come on, Amos -- I'm relying on you to come up with something truly 'Bardic' now -- just so this Challenge! won't end on such a shleck note! -- Á.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 12:24 PM

yeah - amos- c'mon. or I'll add another verse to yours!

it's the tune I wanted to use in the first place, grumble, grumble,grumble

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 12:53 PM

The Highwaytot

By Amos Jessup

                                I
The sun was a glow on the treeline, the wind blew gentle and low,
The windows of town were still darkened, looking out on the streets below.,
Down the road like a spectre at dawning, propped up on his tippy-toes
Young Perly King came driving,
 Driving, driving!
Young Perly King came driving, looking for Cheerios.

                                II
He wore blue Mickey Mouse pajamas, with buttons up to his chin
And a pair of Pluto slippers, made out of bunny-skin;
And his face carried never a wrinkle; he drove without care in the cold!
And he drove that '60 Chevy,
His father's rebuilt Chevy!
Yes he drove his father's Chevy,
Though less than eight years old,

                                III
Over the sidewalk he rambled then  steer'd  through a  neighbor's yard,
Then he'd  jump off the seat to the pedals, and rev the engine hard,
He sang "Sesame Street" in the morning, and who should be listn'ing there?
But Perly's brave companion,
Lifelong and true companion,
His brave, lifelong companion,
A halfbreed mutt called Bear.

                                IV
And dark in musky dawning, a gleam in the dusky night
He saw a shopping center, with Albertson's on the right;
Though the doors were barred and the lights turned low,
His heart forebore to wait,
He must open up the market,
The dim-lit shut down market!
So he opened up the market,
With his father's flathead-eight.
 

V

Then the glass it flew like a hurricane,
The canned goods flew  from their rows,
But he never stopped or stumbled,
Looking for Cheerios
With his life-long friend behind him,
His back-flap blowing free,
He climbed down out of that Chevy,
The bruised and broken Chevy,
Clambered down from the ancient Chevy,
And headed for Aisle Three!

    VI

When the manager got there that morning,
With the blue flashing lights at his back,
The officers guarding the squadcar,
And the shop window laid to wrack,
Down the corridors softly they sought him,
Their guns at the ready and warm
'Til they found young Perly sleeping,
Curled up, and softly sleeping,
They found young Perly sleeping
With Bear underneath his arm.

                    VII

There were open boxes around them,
There were spilled Cheerios by the score
And between old Bear and the highway tot,
They had eaten three pounds or more!
So he lay there asleep on the market floor,
And they shook him and called him in vain!
For he'd overdosed on sugar
Sweet, nice sugar!
He'd flooded his blood with sugar,
'Til the insulin fried his brain!

            VIII

But sometimes, they say, in the dawn time
When the moonlight still kisses the rose,
Like the shade of a thought you can see him,
As down the road he goes,
With his honest companion beside him,
Propped up on his tippy-toes,
You can see young Perly driving,
His spirit comes a-driving!!
You can see young Perly driving
And looking for Cheerios.

'shot' down market 'shut' down by mudelf ;-)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 01:18 PM

*grovel,grovel,grovel*

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Bardford
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 01:19 PM

Bravo, Amos!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: mousethief
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 01:26 PM

APPLAUSE!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 01:32 PM

Too kind, you all. Thanks. The market, BTW, was not shot-down, but shut-down. I guess you figured that one out alright.

A

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Dharmabum
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 01:45 PM

Amos,I humbly relinquish possession of my silver plated spitoon over to you.

GOOD ONE!

DB.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,SharonA
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 01:52 PM

To Áine: Very well; I shall keep both Silver B.L.O.B. (not S.L.O.B. as I'd mistakenly written — my apologies AGAIN!) awards and display them proudly. BTW, I notice I misspelled "Perley" as well !!!!!

Is there, in fact, one master Song Challenge! Songbook? I tried looking up "Songbook" and was, naturally, overwhelmed by the threads & messages. Is there an easier way? (Same question applies to the previous 53 Song Challenge! parts.)

To mousethief: I'm afraid I do beat myself up, but I'm not my harshest critic. Are there any existing threads for nastiness-toward-performer anecdotes... and/or how to handle such situations? If so, I've got a story to tell!

To all: I certainly am enjoying all of the song submissions (Amos's has given me a delicious chill!). Can't wait for more!

SharonA

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 01:55 PM

Sharon - see the box up in the upper left near the top of the page? that says "quick links"?

Select the mudcat songbook from the drop-down menu and press the "go" button.

you're there.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,Cereal Killer
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 02:10 PM

He's made himself a name Fifteen minutes of Fame But I guess he's not to blame It was the video game

Drove is sister's car Didn't get too far Now he is a star I guess that's how things are

You may think it's cute Corporation gives him loot T V ads they'll shoot The lesson here is moot

Adults ought to know Kids do what you show We reap what we sow that's the way it goes

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,Cereal Killer
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 02:45 PM

How do you get the carrage returns after single lines

He's made himself a name

Fifteen minutes of Fame

But I guess he's not to blame

It was the video game

Drove is sister's car

Didn't get too far

Now he is a star

I guess that's how things are

You may think it's cute

Corporation gives him loot

T V ads they'll shoot

The lesson here is moot

Adults ought to know

Kids do what you show

We reap what we sow

that's the way it goes

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 03:13 PM

Ceral Killer (great book by that name, BTW) see the FAQ/Newcomers Guide - first thread on the forum

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Dharmabum
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 03:26 PM

ROAD WARRIOR PERLEY KING
(sung to Ghost Riders In The Sky)

Perley king went drivin down
the road one early morn,
Couldn't see over the wheel
so he laid upon the horn,
Pedal to the metal
he was crusin down the street,
In search of crunchy toasted Oh's
his favorite mornin treat.
Cheeri yi ya
Cheeri yi yo
Road Warrior Perley King.

Now breakfast is the most important
meal of the whole day,
When this lad's feelin hungry
better not stand in his way,
Stay off the street & lock your doors
you might just stay alive,
He's tearin up the boulevard
with no licence to drive.
Cheeri yi ya
Cheeri yi yo
Road Warrior Perley King.

His tires they were smokin
and his engine made a roar,
He'd run out of his Cheerios
an' he was gettin more,
His sidekick Bear sat next to him
ridin shotgun there that day,
It's ve hic ular homicide
to all that's in his way.
Cheeri yi ya
Cheeri yi yo
Road Warrior Perley King.

His Ma & Pa caught up with him
and tanned his little hide,
For stealin his big sisters car
and his early morn joyride,
He still gets his Cheerios
and he shares 'em with his pup,
But for the next couple a' weeks
he'll be eatin standin up.
Cheeri yi ya
Cheeri Yi Yo
Road Warrior Perley King.

DB.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: mousethief
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 03:29 PM

Dang you Dharmabum! I've been trying to write something to "Ghost writers" since I saw this challenge! Good job!

Alex

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: mousethief
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 03:29 PM

um, I mean, "Ghost Riders"

Alex, embarassed

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Dharmabum
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 03:39 PM

Thanks Alex.

DB.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 03:39 PM

He's made himself a name
Fifteen minutes of Fame
But I guess he's not to blame
It was the video game

Drove is sister's car
Didn't get too far Now he is a star
I guess that's how things are

You may think it's cute
Corporation gives him loot
T V ads they'll shoot
The lesson here is moot

Adults ought to know
Kids do what you show
We reap what we sow
that's the way it goes

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 03:43 PM

much easier to read, CK!

Dharmabum - HUZZAH!

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,SharonA
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 03:43 PM

Aw, MMario, don't make Cereal Killer go spelunking too (took me quite a while to find the answer to that same question - see above)!

CK: At the end of your paragraph, type the following:
the "less than" sign (shift-comma)
then the letters br (which, I suppose, stands for "break")
and finally the "greater than" sign (shift-period)

Then you can type a hard return if you want, for your own comfort when looking at your message (as you and I have seen, the hard return will be disregarded). Dunno why a double-hard-return creates two returns WITHOUT the symbol, but it does!!

BTW, MMario, thanks for the quick links tip. I'm looking REALLY hard at that all-in-one award...

SharonA

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: MMario
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 03:57 PM

it's a two-fer answer Sharon - Joe has SO much information packed in that FAQ that bringing someone's attention to it is really a good thing. There is more then one regular here who admit they go back and re-read it quite often. (And I'm one of them)

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,SharonA
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 04:54 PM

Agreed, MMario, that the Newcomer's Guide is a great resource, but it's quite overwhelming and distracting. Dunno about you, but when I'd like a tiny slice of the pie everyone else is eating, I don't want to be told to go off to the grocery store, find an entire pie of my own and then come back to the party. Why not say, "Here, have the slice you want and then I'll tell you where to find a whole pie to bring to the next party"?

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 10:48 PM

Yea, Amos!!! Totally brill, as my soul sister would say. I knew I could count on you, darlin'! Here's your Silver B.L.O.B. for:

When the manager got there that morning,
With the blue flashing lights at his back,
The officers guarding the squadcar,
And the shop window laid to wrack,
Down the corridors softly they sought him,
Their guns at the ready and warm
'Til they found young Perly sleeping,
Curled up, and softly sleeping,
They found young Perly sleeping
With Bear underneath his arm.

Here's a Silver B.L.O.B. to Cereal Killer for (the very deep):

You may think it's cute
Corporation gives him loot
T V ads they'll shoot
The lesson here is moot

And a S.B.L.O.B. to Dharmabum for this one (I Love It!):

His Ma & Pa caught up with him
and tanned his little hide,
For stealin his big sisters car
and his early morn joyride,
He still gets his Cheerios
and he shares 'em with his pup,
But for the next couple a' weeks
he'll be eatin standin up.
Cheeri yi ya
Cheeri Yi Yo
Road Warrior Perley King.

(And Dharmabum, you can keep your spittoon, there's plenty in my closet, don't ya know!)

Ya'll have done me proud!! Can't wait to see what you come up with next. The 'Chips' will fly on the morrow, so check back to see what ya got. I'm off to tickle my mandolin for a while . . . ;-)

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Amos
Date: 16 Jun 01 - 06:30 PM

Ahem, Ms Goddess ---

The morrow wanes, and your payroll is due -- you don't think I go through all this brain-sweat for NUFFIN do you??? I need my ration of CowChips so I can continue to pretend I am engaged in useful and productive work here! :>))

A

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 16 Jun 01 - 07:25 PM

Well, excuuuuuuusssseee me! ;-)

The only excuse I have to offer all you Challenge!rs with your baited breath fogging up your screens is: I've been having too much fun playing my mandolin, and I forgot all my duties today . . . the laundry still lies forgotten in the hamper and both the dogs have their legs crossed and pained expressions on their faces . . .

Here ya go, read 'em and weep ;-) Cudos, congrats and thanks to each of you wunnerful Challenge!rs for your excellent offerings for this Challenge!

Winners of the Golden Cow Chip Award with Shamrock Cluster (The Shamrock Cluster is awarded for a very high level of imagination, imagery, and/or creative use of language in a song):
The Ballad of the Cheerios Kid by SharonA
Cheerios Love by mousethief
Made Himself a Name by Cereal Killer
The Milk-Splattered Banner by SharonA
Munch, Munch, Munch by Trapper
Pearly Gets Up Early by Rollo
The Streets of Tacoma by Clifton53

Winners of the Golden Cow Chip Award with Harp Ribbon (The Harp Ribbon is given for being able to make The Keeper of the Book fall on the floor laughing OR make her short out her keyboard with tears):
The Highwaytot by Amos
Road Warrior Perley King by Dharmabum

Winners of the Golden Cow Chip Award with Cleigh's Blue Fume Shield (Cleigh's Blue Fume Shield is given to the best blues rendition of any challenge topic):
Cereal Blues by Bardford

Winners of the Golden Cow Chip Award with Memorial MMario Silverplated Spittoon (The GCCWMMSPS is awarded to the Challenge! entry which evokes an instantaneous bubbling up of frothy mirth from out of the lips of the Keeper of the Book and onto her monitor screen):
The Outlaw Perley King by Dharmabum

Winners of the Super Special Sandstone Sheila-Na-Gig Ocarina Award (The Super Special Sandstone Sheila-Na-Gig Ocarina Award is given to the Challenge!rs who warm the cockles and create a special warm and fuzzy feeling in the heart of the Keeper of the Book in a song):
Under the Table and Scheming by JenEllen

And yes, I've got a new Challenge! in the wings awaiting the sunrise, so keep your pencils sharpened and your wits about you . . .

-- Áine

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: mousethief
Date: 16 Jun 01 - 07:28 PM

Aine, you rule. Whoever elected you goddess should be sainted.

Alex

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Amos
Date: 16 Jun 01 - 09:12 PM

Keep it up Alex -- the GG loves flattery, as long as it's sincere!! You'll get a green incandescent glow around your hairline, and a wee tip of brown on the end of your nose!!!

Thanks, Oh Green One, for your True Wisdom, Great Heart, and Green Beams!!

A

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Áine
Date: 16 Jun 01 - 10:27 PM

Dearest Alex and (St.) Amos -- Gorsh! ;-)

-- Your everlovin' GG

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: mousethief
Date: 17 Jun 01 - 01:00 AM

I'm as sincere as they come. Sincerely bizarre, sincerely arrogant, sincerely annoying.

alex

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Dharmabum
Date: 17 Jun 01 - 08:43 AM

Thanky Ainnie, it sher luuks perty a settin up thair on ma mantel.

It'll hold durn near a whole bushell a Cheerios too!

Db.

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,Bardford
Date: 17 Jun 01 - 02:58 PM

Thanks, Áine, for the award, and thanks to all you Breakfast Clubbers for the heapin' helpin' of literary nutrition.
Bardford

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: GUEST,SharonA
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 09:29 AM

Áine, thank you so much for the awards for both (!) songs. **happy glow** Thanks for titling them, too; I especially love the title "The Milk-Spattered Banner"!

SharonA

Subject: RE: SONG CHALLENGE! - Part 54
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 05 Sep 01 - 11:40 AM

To the tune of "Donegal Danny"

I remember the morning that he showed up
It was miserable and damp
His tousled and his rumpled clothes
A loveable, roguish, little scamp
He asked in a voice that was shy and weak
"Hey mister, have you got Cheerios?"
I showed him the aisle, and he started to smile
And he wrinkled his stubby little nose

CHORUS
So here's to those
Who like Cheerios
Who hold that cereal dear
And here's to you
And I'll bid you adieu
Saying Little Perley King has been here, me boys
Little Perley King has been here

He paid for the food and he counted his change
He'd enough left to buy him a coke
He opened the can and he took him a swig
And he spied him a liquorice rope
He fished in his jeans and he jutted his tongue
While he worked out how much he had gleaned
He'd plenty enough for the liquorice rope
And a packet or two of jelly beans!

CHORUS

The rain pelted down as he made for the door
I saw that he didn't have a coat
I thought of him struggling home wet in the rain
I felt a lump rising in my throat
I suggested that I could close the shop
And ventured to offer a ride
He noted my offer and said "Thanks a lot
But my car is ticking over just outside!"

CHORUS