The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #46308   Message #2444618
Posted By: GUEST,Annie Lore
18-Sep-08 - 09:51 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-Wow
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-Wow
Very interesting! I've never come across this version of the first and last verse before-- where in the world did they get it? The usual words are:

First verse:

I love my little cat, I do,
her coat is oh so warm;
She comes each day with me to school
And sits upon the form.
When teacher etc.

Then in the last verse:

I'll be so glad when I get old,
To do just as I please;
I'll have a dozen bow-wows then,
A parrot and some bees.
Whene'er I see a tiny pet,
I'll kiss the little thing;
'Twill remind me of the days gone by,
When I would cry and sing: (chorus)

A really appalling rendition of this can be found in the bizarre 1934 British film "Evergreen" starring Jessie Matthews, "The Dancing Divinity".

When we were doing Dickens at the Fox theater in Oakland back in 1983 there was the ballet version going round:
"Daddy wouldn't buy me a tutu,
Daddy wouldn't buy me a tutu;
I've got a little ruff, but it's really not enough;
Oh, I'd rather have a tu-tu-tu!"

The Sweeps also had one of their own, though I can't bring it to mind at the moment-- but I think it was quite naughty!

Bow-wow marches on...