Bill in alabama: I'm glad you made mention of the beasties that pull the barges. It appears that the origins of the lyrics all have logical roots.

Steve, I think perhaps your fingers got carried away excitedly dancing on the keyboard, your mind racing ahead with flitting visions of what the lyrics might mean....and hitting an extra key or two. I think you meant "carnal" knowledge. :o) My carnival knowledge is limited to clowns and elephants..............

Margarita