Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic

Subject: teddy bears picnic
From: amo
Date: 02 Jul 99 - 01:17 PM

Does anybody know this children song:

If you would go to the woods today, You better not go alone It's lovely down in the woods today, But safer you stay at home For every bear that ever there was Would gather be there, certain because Today's the day, the teddy bears having their picbic

??? are there more verses?

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Jul 99 - 01:30 PM

It's always best to search our database first - click here.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: amo
Date: 02 Jul 99 - 01:37 PM

Thanks, my fault, I'm new! amo

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Peter T.
Date: 02 Jul 99 - 02:09 PM

amo (beginning what we hope is a long conjugation) -- don't worry, you would be surprised how many regulars forget to do this. I have asked all kinds of stupid questions that were answerable just by checking the database.
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Jul 99 - 02:36 PM

I may have been a little blunt in my response. I was on a telcon with my boss, and I was trying to type in a quick answer without being heard....(sheepish grin)
Shhhhh!
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: DWDitty
Date: 02 Jul 99 - 04:06 PM

Dave Van Ronk does a version of this on his Peter and the Wolf album accompanied by the kazooaphinic ochestra. One of my daughters sang this version for years when she was younger. By the way, the 1st side of the tape is Prokoviev's Peter and the Wolf - but with a twist. It is performed by Dave and a jug band-including Billy Novick. By far the best kid's tape I've ever run across.

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Tom on Comfort
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 03:15 AM

DW: That sounds cool--is it old, new, still in print? I guess I'll go looking for it. (I love that tune. And kazoos.)

--Tom

PS I wish somebody'd tell me what DWDitty means.

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: John Hindsill
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 11:03 AM

Wasn't this the theme song for a 50's kid's radio show "Big John & Sparky" on Saturday mornings. Maybe it was called "No School Today".---John

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: amo
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 12:26 PM

Thanks for more information. I read the first lines in a book. I didn't know that it is such a long thing. The first part of the melody is also the theme of a nintendo game. Since I played that, I could'nt get it out of my ears. amo

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: rich r
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 12:52 PM

It has been recorded by Neil Hellman. The album has something like "dulcimer airs, bears & etc?" in it I don't remember the correct title.

It also exists as a 45 (RCA 48-0066A) sung by Ann Stephens. I assume the "48" means it was issued in 1948 which is plausible because I remember having it about as far back as I can remember and I was born in 46.

rich r

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From:
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 10:13 PM

Don't think they had 45's in 48. 78's in 48.

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Joe Offer
Date: 04 Jul 99 - 03:45 AM

Actually, Tim, Click here to learn some history. The 33-1/3 RPM long-playing records were introduced in 1948. 45's came in the early 50's, if I read between the lines correctly. It doesn't answer the 45 RPM question directly, but gives a pretty good basis for guessing
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From:
Date: 04 Jul 99 - 07:25 PM

Didn't know that. A friend of mine had Rock Around The Clock on a '78, and that was what, 1955 -7?

I had forgotten that the song Teddy Bears'Picnic had sinister undertones to it. I think Bing Crosby must have sung it too, because whenever I look at the lyrics I hear his voice.

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Ferret
Date: 04 Jul 99 - 09:50 PM

There is an alternant version of teddy bears picnic. It is more adult than the another but nearly clean. It's from 1975-76.

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: rich r
Date: 05 Jul 99 - 01:39 AM

Tim,

You are right and I don't have a good handle on my childhood. The first 45 was not issued until 1949 by RCA and was a direct response to CBS putting out the 33 1/3 in 1948. The confusion arose from the old RCA 45s I have from the early 50's or whenever. I have some 47-xxx, 48-xxx, 49-xxx, and 52-xxx numbers. It was all too easy to jump to the conclusion that those numbers represented years without checking the facts and they were close enough to be plausible. I haven't found a catalog of RCA releases from that time period to find out exactly when they were issued. Record makers (45 & LP) were notoriously poor in putting issue dates on their products.

rich r

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 05 Jul 99 - 07:13 PM

Does anyone want the tune posted?

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Allan C.
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 06:45 AM

John Hindsill is right, I think. TBP was used as the theme song for the "Big John & Sparky" radio show. I have never met anyone else who remembered that show. One Saturday, Big John did a "live request" show (Not really. Such things weren't commonly done like they are now.) in which he asked the listeners to tell him which story-record to play. With all the volume my four-year-old voice could muster, I screamed, "The Little Engine That Could!" in the direction of the radio's speaker. To my amazement, it worked! He played it!

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 07:57 AM

I didn't know Anne Stephens' records were released in the US! I've got several, all 78s (thet lasted right up right up to late 50s here - even some vinyl 78s released!), but not TBP. Anyone want to sell?

Steve

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 07:59 AM

Forgot: the classic UK version was by Henry Hall. My copy's extremely worn, almost to the point of unintelligibility. Got it on a compilation album, so I'm not suffering too much.

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Tiger
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 10:37 AM

Count wife Nora and me among the apparently miniscule alumni association of "No School Today!!!" (done with a big shout). Can't remember anything about it, 'cept the song. BTW, the version they played was by Frank DeVol.

.....Tiger

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 11:07 AM

Allan--

Big John & Sparky were broadcast even into the wilds of Appalachian Tennessee; I think it was part of the government's RADIO FREE APPALACHIA project. I don't hear the song much, but when I do, I always expect it to be followed by Big John's introduction: 'It's Saturday, and THERE'S NO SCHOOL TODAY!' Seems like yesterday.

Subject: Lyr Add: TEDDY BEARS PICNIC
From: Dan V.
Date: 07 Jul 99 - 05:34 AM

Hi amo,

I know a version of this song which can be found on Trout Fishing in America's CD entitled "Big Trouble." TFIA is an acoustic guitar, upright acoustic/electric bass duo that performs live around the country, with a mix of adult folk and delightful children's music. They have a website at:

http://www.troutmusic.com/

As near as I can transcribe the lyrics from the CD, they are as follows:

If you would go out in the woods today,
Be sure* for a big surprise.
If you would go out in the woods today,
You better go in disguise.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain because
Today's the day the teddy bears
Have their picnic.

Picnic time for teddy bears.
The little teddy bears are having a lovely day today.

Watch them, catch them unaware,
And see the picnic on their holiday.

See them gaily gad about.
They love to play and shout,
They never have any care.

At six o'clock their Mummies and Daddies
Will take them home to bed,
Because they're tired little teddy bears.

*("Prepare" would make better sense, but sounds like "Be sure")

Check out TFIA's website, and if you like what you see, try one of their albums ("Big Trouble" is all children's songs and would be a great first choice if you pre-school and/or elementary age children; a couple albums are mixes of child and adult music) or check them out at a location near you when they come through. We've seen them several times in a small local venue over the past 6-7 years. My kids are now 11, 13, and 17 and still love them.

Dan V.

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 07 Jul 99 - 10:38 AM

There's another verse, you'll all be pleased to know; goes before "Picnic time for teddy bears", and gives the song 32-bar chorus format:

Every teddy bear who's been good is in for a treat today,
There's lots of marvellous things to eat and wonderful games to play.
Beneath the trees where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please,
For that's the way the teddy bears have their picnic.

Oh, and Dan: it's "you're sure of a big surprise".There's another verse, you'll all be pleased to know; goes before "Picnic time for teddy bears", and gives the song 32-bar chorus format:

Every teddy bear who's been good is in for a treat today,
There's lots of marvellous things to eat and wonderful games to play.
Beneath the trees where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please,
For that's the way the teddy bears have their picnic.

Oh, and Dan - it's "You're sure of a big surprise". Not half!

Steve

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 07 Jul 99 - 10:39 AM

Oops!

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Penny S
Date: 07 Jul 99 - 10:56 AM

There's a lot of it about.

Subject: Lyr Add: TEDDY BEARS PICNIC parody: ...RAVE UP
From: Ferret
Date: 07 Jul 99 - 05:06 PM

Here is a UK Version from 1975/76 that you may not know. It's given a few laughs in the pub and bar in the UK.

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC

If you go down in the woods today
You better not go alone.
It's lovely down in the woods today
But safer to stay at home,
For every bear that ever there was
Is gathered there for certain because
Today's the day the Teddy bears have their RAVE UP.

There's Angel bears come on their bikes
Dressed in their leather gear.
There's gallons of scrumpy, green and lumpy
And horrible Watney's beer.
Yogi downed a pint of it quick,
Was very promptly, horribly sick,
And filled up both of Paddington's new wellies!

Rave up time for Teddy bears!
The little Teddy Bears are having a lovely time today,
Grooving to those heavy sounds
That only Status Quo know how to play.
Over there is Cresta Bear.
He says it's Frothy Man, he's doing his little brain.
Rupert Bear is on a trip
Winnie the Pooh is doing a strip
They reckon he's on the game.

Every bear that ever been good
Is sure of a treat today.
Cause mummy and daddy and baby bear
Have found a new game to play.
Beneath the trees where nobody sees
There's Goldilocks tied up to a tree.
You can bet your life she's getting more than porridge.

If you go down to the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
It's lovely down in the woods today.
You'll never believe your eyes.
For it's a really freaky scene.
A big butch bear is playing the Queen,
And they don't call him "Sugar Puff'" for nothing.

Rave up time for Teddy Bears!
The little Teddy Bears are having a lovely time today,
Groping in the undergrowth.
Oh what would Enid Blyton have to say?
See them madly stagger out,
Collapsing on the ground, they haven't got any cares.
At five past twelve, the coppers are coming to take US all away
Because WE ARE naughty little Teddy Bears.

THE END

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 09:30 AM

Blimey, you've jogged (feretted out?) a memory! This may not make sense outside the UK, or much inside ---

If you go down in the woods etc.
. . . For Jeremy, the Sugar Puffs bear,
Has bought some boots and cropped his hair:
Today's the day that Jeremy joins the skinheads!

Maybe best forgotten?
Steve

Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic
From: Walrus
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 02:52 PM

Steve,

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

I thought (hoped?) that I'd forgotten that piece of rhyme.

That brings back a few memories.

Good luck.

Walrus

Subject: Lyr Add: TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC
From:
Date: 08 May 04 - 01:29 AM

TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC

If you go down to the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise
If you go down to the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic.

Ev'ry Teddy Bear who's been good
is sure of a treat today.
There's lots of marvelous things to eat
And wonderful games to play

Beneath the trees where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
'Cause that's the way the Teddy Bears have their picnic

If you go down to the woods today
You'd better not go alone
It's lovely down in the woods today
But safer to stay at home.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic.

Picnic time for Teddy Bears
The little Teddy Bears are having a lovely time today
Watch them, catch them unawares
And see them picnic on their holiday.

See them gaily gad about
They love to play and shout;
They never have any cares;

At six o'clock their Mummies and Daddies,
Will take them home to bed,
Because they're tired little Teddy Bears.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic
From: LindsayInWales
Date: 08 May 04 - 04:11 AM

I have Henry Hall's "Definitive" version, but this is a naughty one my children used to sing when small:

If you go down to the woods today
You're in for a big suprise
If you go down to the woods today
You'd better go in disguise
For Uncle Frank is having a w...
And Uncle Bob is sucking his k...
And Auntie Flo is having a go at Grand-dad.

Is the previous poster sure about "Teddy Bear's Picnic" having sinister undertones? Are you not confusing the Henry Hall version of this song with his, "Hush, hush, hush, here comes the bogeyman"?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic
From: GUEST,Rocky Lane
Date: 12 May 04 - 07:53 AM

I have Teddy Bears' Picnic on a Canadian Capitol 45 - 72057 by Ann Stephens. She also released the song in America on RCA 48-0066.

Does anyone have both records to compare? I have no documented proof but supposedly they are identical recordings. Did Capitol Canada buy or lease the recording from RCA?

Thanks.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic
From: GUEST
Date: 13 May 04 - 03:53 PM

Fred Wedlock's version is best

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic
From: Snuffy
Date: 14 May 04 - 08:23 AM

But is it really his?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic
From: GUEST,gemz
Date: 27 May 05 - 06:26 PM

hey ny1 out there got the naughty version of yogi bear plzplzplzplzplzplzplzzzz send me it [e-mail] or [e-mail] i did hav it now the site that its frm is fucked n dnt work no more if u hav it plz send me it gemz thnx

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic
From: PoppaGator
Date: 27 May 05 - 06:40 PM

In addition to his jug-band version on the flip side of "Peter and The Wolf," Dave Van Ronk also recorded Teddy Bears' Picnic (solo) on his "Songs for Aging Children" album.

I remember the song from my childhood. I'm sure I heard it regularly on that radio show, and my parents have told me that they remember Big John and Sparky, but I only remember the song, not the characters on the radio program.

Is it just me, or is gemz's message completely incomprehensible to everyone? I'm glad he/she/it refreshed this thread, though...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic
From: GUEST,Allen
Date: 27 May 05 - 06:55 PM

Surpised nobody's mentioned the Nic Jones instrumental.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic
From: GUEST
Date: 28 May 05 - 01:45 AM

gemz's message is perfectly clear to me.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic
From: GUEST, Tpsy
Date: 28 May 05 - 02:22 AM

gmz msg pfcly rdbl 2 me 2

but I hope everyone doesn't start writing that way - it may possibly be quicker to write, but it takes longer to read.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic
From: GUEST,pavane
Date: 28 May 05 - 04:02 AM

I think Nic's instrumental is mentioned in other threads

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic
From: GUEST,Guest : Enoch
Date: 05 Sep 05 - 04:47 PM

I did a Google search recently looking for TBP. It seems to be quite
popular. Even Wal-mart has a CD listed on their web site catalogue,
but I could not find it in the local super store.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Sep 05 - 08:53 PM

I'd say gemz looks like a robot fishing for email addresses...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic
From: GUEST,Joe_F
Date: 06 Sep 05 - 11:23 AM

The tune (John W. Bratton, 1907) is a good deal older than the words (Jimmy Kennedy, 1930), and indeed is almost coeval with the teddy bear itself. I have an LP (_The Sousa and Pryor Bands_, NW 282) that has a transcription of a performance by the Pryor Band in 1908. It is not, of course, sung, but it is accompanied by artificial bear growls.

--- Joe Fineman    [e-mail]

||: When smart people are trying to second-guess fools and vice versa, it gets hard to tell them apart. :||

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic
From: Tiger
Date: 06 Sep 05 - 05:45 PM

One source put the lyric date as 1913 (Kennedy).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic
From:
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 01:25 PM

Quote: Lindswidder on 08 May 04 - 04:11 AM

---

I have Henry Hall's "Definitive" version, but this is a naughty one my children used to sing when small:

If you go down to the woods today
You're in for a big suprise
If you go down to the woods today
You'd better go in disguise
For Uncle Frank is having a w...
And Uncle Bob is sucking his k...
And Auntie Flo is having a go at Grand-dad.

---

(Just to add something to this conversation as I pass through.)
The adult version that I know is similar to this, but the last half is something like:

---

'Cos mum and dad are havin' a s**g,
And Uncle Bob is sucking his kn**,
And Uncle Frank is havin' a w*** with auntie.

---

Anyway, I got to this page via Google (Surprise surprise! :-) whilst searching for the adult version of the "Yogi Bear" tune. (The same that Gemz was talking about.) If anyone knows where it can be freely downloaded, please could they send me the link? :-)
Or even better, post it on this board for everyone to see! :-D

In return; For those like me who like funny re-mixes, check out the London Underground song by Fitness to Practice - It's completely apt if you've ever experienced the Tube during rush hour! :-D
(CAUTION: The London Underground song contains highly obscene language!)

Farewell...And thanks in advance! :-)
>> Death <<

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 09:27 PM

Why do we call juvenile versions "adult"?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 09:52 PM

Because the adults will sing them (when drunk), but not in front of their kids...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic
From: Cool Beans
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 02:07 PM

I remember Big John and Sparky (aka No School today) and TBP, sung by a child, as its theme song. I do the song meself. Maybe I'll put it on my next CD and PM all of you if I do. Some time in 2007, I'd imagine. Big John and Sparky may have been spelled Big Jon and Sparkie, if anyone's googling.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic
From: GUEST,Miamma Marc
Date: 23 May 07 - 09:36 AM

This is amazing! Something brought TBP to mind this morning and I Today", which I listened to regularly as a kid in the late '40's or early '50's in central Ohio (WMAN in Mansfield...I believe it was broadcast out of Cincinnati). I Googled BJ&S thinking there is no way something that obscure will be on the web, but apparently there are people interested in everything out there. It was the TBP hook that led into it. I don't really remember the substance of the show, other than Sparky had a high squeaky voice. What a "blast from the past"... and a six-year string of postings shows how popular it indeed was.

Marc

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic
From: GUEST,CLB
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 12:40 PM

Does anybody happen to know the artist of the exact version of TBP played on the show? Or where a full copy of the song could be obtained? Thanks!

-Chris

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic
From: GUEST,CLB
Date: 27 Nov 07 - 10:46 PM

Found it - the instrumental intro song for Big Jon and Sparkie was "Teddy Bear's Picnic" performed by Ethel Smith.

It exists as a 78 and is on several 33 1/3 albums of hers as well. May have been issued later on a 45, too.

It is easy to find, most online stores have Ethel's greatest hits CD which contains it.

(Thanks for the info, Dan C.!!!)