|
02 Jul 99 - 01:17 PM (#91727) Subject: teddy bears picnic From: amo 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? |
|
02 Jul 99 - 01:30 PM (#91731) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Joe Offer It's always best to search our database first - click here. -Joe Offer- |
|
02 Jul 99 - 01:37 PM (#91736) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: amo Thanks, my fault, I'm new! amo |
|
02 Jul 99 - 02:09 PM (#91741) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Peter T. 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. |
|
02 Jul 99 - 02:36 PM (#91749) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Joe Offer 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- |
|
02 Jul 99 - 04:06 PM (#91780) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: DWDitty 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. |
|
03 Jul 99 - 03:15 AM (#91938) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Tom on Comfort 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. |
|
03 Jul 99 - 11:03 AM (#91993) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: John Hindsill 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 |
|
03 Jul 99 - 12:26 PM (#92003) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: amo 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 |
|
03 Jul 99 - 12:52 PM (#92014) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: rich r 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 |
|
03 Jul 99 - 10:13 PM (#92172) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Tim Jaques tjaques@netcom.ca Don't think they had 45's in 48. 78's in 48. |
|
04 Jul 99 - 03:45 AM (#92234) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Joe Offer 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- |
|
04 Jul 99 - 07:25 PM (#92411) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Tim Jaques tjaques@netcom.ca 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. |
|
04 Jul 99 - 09:50 PM (#92434) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Ferret There is an alternant version of teddy bears picnic. It is more adult than the another but nearly clean. It's from 1975-76. |
|
05 Jul 99 - 01:39 AM (#92462) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: rich r 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 |
|
05 Jul 99 - 07:13 PM (#92671) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: John in Brisbane Does anyone want the tune posted? |
|
06 Jul 99 - 06:45 AM (#92802) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Allan C. 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! |
|
06 Jul 99 - 07:57 AM (#92809) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Steve Parkes 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 |
|
06 Jul 99 - 07:59 AM (#92810) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Steve Parkes 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. |
|
06 Jul 99 - 10:37 AM (#92861) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Tiger 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 |
|
06 Jul 99 - 11:07 AM (#92865) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Bill in Alabama 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. |
|
07 Jul 99 - 05:34 AM (#93042) Subject: Lyr Add: TEDDY BEARS PICNIC From: Dan V. 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. |
|
07 Jul 99 - 10:38 AM (#93086) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Steve Parkes 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 |
|
07 Jul 99 - 10:39 AM (#93087) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Steve Parkes Oops! |
|
07 Jul 99 - 10:56 AM (#93097) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Penny S There's a lot of it about. |
|
07 Jul 99 - 05:06 PM (#93218) Subject: Lyr Add: TEDDY BEARS PICNIC parody: ...RAVE UP From: Ferret 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 |
|
08 Jul 99 - 09:30 AM (#93379) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Steve Parkes 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 |
|
08 Jul 99 - 02:52 PM (#93445) Subject: RE: teddy bears picnic From: Walrus 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
|
|
08 May 04 - 01:29 AM (#1180900) Subject: Lyr Add: TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC From: GUEST,joannegauci81@hotmail.com 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. |
|
08 May 04 - 04:11 AM (#1180935) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic From: LindsayInWales 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"? |
|
12 May 04 - 07:53 AM (#1183677) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic From: GUEST,Rocky Lane 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. |
|
13 May 04 - 03:53 PM (#1185014) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic From: GUEST Fred Wedlock's version is best |
|
14 May 04 - 08:23 AM (#1185587) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic From: Snuffy But is it really his? |
|
27 May 05 - 06:26 PM (#1494637) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic From: GUEST,gemz hey ny1 out there got the naughty version of yogi bear plzplzplzplzplzplzplzzzz send me it gemgem454@hotmail.com or neopetzdevil13@aol.com 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 |
|
27 May 05 - 06:40 PM (#1494646) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic From: PoppaGator 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... |
|
27 May 05 - 06:55 PM (#1494656) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic From: GUEST,Allen Surpised nobody's mentioned the Nic Jones instrumental. |
|
28 May 05 - 01:45 AM (#1494831) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic From: GUEST gemz's message is perfectly clear to me. |
|
28 May 05 - 02:22 AM (#1494839) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic From: GUEST, Tpsy 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. |
|
28 May 05 - 04:02 AM (#1494871) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: teddy bears picnic From: GUEST,pavane I think Nic's instrumental is mentioned in other threads |
|
05 Sep 05 - 04:47 PM (#1556876) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,Guest : Enoch 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. |
|
05 Sep 05 - 08:53 PM (#1557075) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: The Fooles Troupe I'd say gemz looks like a robot fishing for email addresses... |
|
06 Sep 05 - 11:23 AM (#1557550) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,Joe_F 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 joe_f@verizon.net ||: When smart people are trying to second-guess fools and vice versa, it gets hard to tell them apart. :|| |
|
06 Sep 05 - 05:45 PM (#1557966) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: Tiger One source put the lyric date as 1913 (Kennedy). |
|
20 Oct 05 - 01:25 PM (#1587090) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,Death (brother_death_666@hotmail.com) Quote: Lindswidder on 08 May 04 - 04:11 AM(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: 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 Farewell...And thanks in advance! :-) |
|
20 Oct 05 - 09:27 PM (#1587437) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,Gerry Why do we call juvenile versions "adult"? |
|
20 Oct 05 - 09:52 PM (#1587455) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: The Fooles Troupe Because the adults will sing them (when drunk), but not in front of their kids... |
|
21 Oct 05 - 02:07 PM (#1587882) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: Cool Beans 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. |
|
23 May 07 - 09:36 AM (#2058989) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,Miamma Marc 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 |
|
13 Nov 07 - 12:40 PM (#2192803) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,CLB 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 |
|
27 Nov 07 - 10:46 PM (#2203667) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,CLB 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.!!!) |
|
28 Nov 07 - 06:04 AM (#2203751) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: BillE During the war, my mother drove staff cars – among her passengers was Jimmy Kennedy - who wrote the "Teddy Bears Picnic", "Red Sails in the Sunset" and "On the Isle of Capri" Bill |
|
21 Feb 10 - 04:30 PM (#2846054) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST I have an original picture disc teddy bear shaped teddy bears picnic on vinyl if anyone is interested in buying it make me an offer? it is selling on newtown records for £99! |
|
21 Feb 10 - 06:38 PM (#2846174) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST All Things Considered on NPR had a story [Friday, Feb 18, 2010] about the Englishman who was apparently the original singer of the song before Crosby had a big hit with it. Good story about a quirky guy. |
|
21 Feb 10 - 07:20 PM (#2846213) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,EBarnacle Guest above is Yours Truly |
|
22 Feb 10 - 03:37 PM (#2846954) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,FloraG I played TBP as part of a fun set at the Barge pub in Gillingham when I knew they would have some german exchange visitors. The germans did not know it to my surprise. I think its a great tune but a sinister song. |
|
22 Feb 10 - 04:22 PM (#2846992) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: PoppaGator I remember one line (only!) of a very juvenile parody some friends used to sing long long ago: For "Watch them catch them unawares," substitute "Watch them (or catch them) in their underwears." I only hope that there was more to go alaong with this; if so, unfortunately, I don't rememeber... |
|
05 Feb 11 - 02:56 PM (#3089345) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: ersatz I have a Capitol 45 recording 72057 of Ann Stephens singing "The Original Hit Versions" of TBP and Christopher Robin. Passed along to us in the early 60's. Any offers? |
|
05 Feb 11 - 03:36 PM (#3089363) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: MGM·Lion From wikipedia, for interest: ····· Ann Stephens (born 21 May 1931) was a British actress, popular in the 1950s. She was born in London. In July 1941 she recorded several songs including a setting of one of AA Milne's verses about Christopher Robin: "Changing Guard at Buckingham Palace" which often featured on the BBC Light Programme's Children's Favourites. [edit]Selected filmography Dear Octopus (1943) They Were Sisters (1945) The Upturned Glass (1947) No Room at the Inn (1948) The Franchise Affair (1951) ····· This doesn't mention the Teddy Bears' Picnic record, which I well recall from late 40s. Remember also seeing her in film The Franchise Affair, from a novel by Josephine Tey [AKA playwright Gordon Daviot]: she gave a fine performance as the perjuring & vindictive tormentor of two innocent women, strangers she claimed had kidnapped and abused her just for a laugh. Good movie, I recall. But what happened to her after that, I wonder? Her career seems to have come to a fullstop there. Anyone know? ~Michael~ |
|
25 Jul 12 - 01:54 AM (#3381136) Subject: Origins: Teddy bear picnic? From: GUEST,Loki sometimes Heard this song once when I was A kid, it made me feel wired. The tune, the words...just odd... If anyone knows where this song Came from, or what it means, Please inform me thusly. |
|
25 Jul 12 - 02:21 AM (#3381141) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: Joe Offer Hi, Loki - I moved you over here to the longest thread we have on the song. I agree that there's something odd about this song. There's something about it that feels ominous to me. The Great Song Thesaurus says that "Teddy Bears' Picnic" was published in 1913, written by John W. Bratton and James B. Kennedy. Wikipedia says the melody was composed by American composer John Walter Bratton in 1907, and the lyrics were written by Irish songwriter Jimmy Kennedy in 1932. I have yet to find convincing proof of either attribution - although this page makes me prefer the 1932 Jimmy Kennedy attribution for the lyrics. Here's the text from songfacts.com:
In 1834, Robert Southey wrote Goldilocks And The Three Bears; in 1894 a German toy company came up with a stuffed bear; in 1899, Margarete Steiff registered patents for twenty-three of her soft toy designs including a dancing bear; in November 1902, Morris Michtom sold the first Teddy Bear in his Brooklyn shop. The year 1906 saw the first advertisement for the "teddy bear", in the trade journal Playthings, and in 1907, a book called Teddy Bear was published; written by Alice Scott, illustrated by Sybil Scott Paley, and The Roosevelt Bears newspaper strip was published in book form. President Theodore Roosevelt (who was known by his childhood name of "Teedie") lies at the heart of the teddy bear craze. It was against this background that the American composer John W. Bratton wrote the music which was called initially "Teddy Bear Two-Step". This name did not last for long, and it soon became known as "The Teddy Bears' Picnic". Bratton (1867-1947) wrote perhaps two hundred and fifty songs, yet this is the only one for which he is remembered. Then along came Edith Harrhy. London-born Harrhy (1893-1969) studied at the Guildhall School Of Music; she would eventually emigrate to Australia where she held posts in theatrical and operatic groups; among her claims to fame was writing children's songs, as lyricist and/or composer. It appears to have been Bratton who came up with the title "Teddy Bears' Picnic", but Harrhy's lyrics - written under the pseudonym Ethel Wood - tell the story, although the word "picnic" does not actually appear in the song. There are numerous editions of the music. The National Library of Australia holds a copy in its on-line digital collection, words copyright 1939 by Allan & Co of Melbourne. What appears to be a copy of the original is held by the British Library; this is "The Teddy Bears Picnic" [no apostrophe], copyright M Witmark & Sons, stamped received by the British Museum, August 11, 1909; it was arranged for Brass Band by Warwick Williams. This edition contains an amusing note to the effect that: "A very good imitation of a bear's growling may be produced by fixing a slack Bassoon reed through a piece of cork cut to fit the mouthpiece of an E[flat] Bass, or a Euphonium." Another British Library holding, "The Teddy Bear's Picnic" [single apostrophe] arranged for Banjo by Robert Mahood, copyright 1908 by M Witmark, says this arrangement is copyrighted 1923. This is all well and good, but the definitive version has lyrics by Dublin University graduate Jimmy Kennedy. In an interview published in the first issue of The Songwriter, dated June 1937, Kennedy said the music was twenty years old when he put words to it. This date may not be quite accurate, but the Kennedy version was first recorded in 1932 by Henry Hall and his Orchestra with vocalist Val Rosing. In 1952, Kennedy published a children's poem The Story of the Teddy Bears' Picnic, credited by the Author of the famous Song "The Teddy Bears' Picnic". He appears to have been living in the United States at that time, because the self-published booklet was available from James Kennedy, 375 Park Avenue, New York at 1s6d or 20c; the same year, a coloured, fully illustrated version was published by the music publisher, B. Feldman of London. Another arrangement of the Kennedy version, by Andrew Carter, in the Oxford Choral Songs series credits it "Original words and melody [copyright] 1907 and 1947 by Warner Bros...": This arrangement copyright 1989, published by Oxford University Press, Music Department. "The Teddy Bears Picnic" has been widely recorded and used since the 1932 Henry Hall recording, as incidental music in TV series, commercials and films. The artists who have recorded it range from Bing Crosby to Jerry Garcia. It was also recited - as a poem - by Ian Gillan at the start of a live recording of "Bad Attitude". (thanks, Alexander Baron - London, England, for all above) -Joe Offer, Mudcat Archivist- |
|
25 Jul 12 - 06:48 AM (#3381210) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,Charles Macfarlane > From: GUEST,Allen > > Surpised nobody's mentioned the Nic Jones instrumental. ... and ... > From: GUEST,pavane > > I think Nic's instrumental is mentioned in other threads Yes, Nic Jones' rendition on solo guitar is a great piece of playing, but I think the best instrumental version that I've ever heard, by quite a long way, was the Dixieland version by Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen. > From: BillE > > During the war, my mother drove staff cars Mine was a WAAF driver, she drove lorries tho'. She really was a very good driver, by contrast my father was downright dangerous! |
|
25 Jul 12 - 01:14 PM (#3381370) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,Loki sometimes Dear: Joe, Yup, thats the word, ominous. Thank u So much for helping me, funny it Came from, or made a pit stop in Ireland. That's where I'm from. What an....odd song..... *shivers* |
|
25 Jul 12 - 01:36 PM (#3381380) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: MGM·Lion Re alternative dates mentioned by Joe ~~ 1932 for Jimmy Kennedy's words seems about right. He was a prolific songwriter around then ~~ Isle of Capri [memorably sung by the great Gracie Fields] & Red Sails In The Sunset are both mentioned above; also that oddly English Cowboy-song, South Of The Border (Down Mexico Way), and the early 40s v popular novelty dance The Hokey Cokey, a variant of the old Here We Go Looby-loo which I remember from schooldays about 1936. ~M~ |
|
26 Jul 12 - 09:09 AM (#3381704) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: Snuffy Ominous indeed - the Henry Hall recording in particular. The singer always sounded very creepy to me, and I used to think that was how Dr Goebbels would sound if he sang it. (Perhaps the song was in code, and the Teddy Bears that Kennedy was warning us against were really Nazis!) |
|
28 Oct 17 - 01:29 AM (#3885211) Subject: The Babysitter Song (Lend Us a Tenor) From: Joe Offer I came across this today and didn't have time to transcribe it. It's the "Babysitter Song" by a group called Lend Us a Tenor. The melody, of course, is "Teddy Bears' Picnic." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71GIHjzLudQ |
|
28 Oct 17 - 05:43 AM (#3885237) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: wysiwyg I first heard Teddy Bears' Picnic in Chicago at the Barbarossa, late 70's, but I'm not positive who sang it there-- Dooley Brothers I think. ~S~ |
|
28 Oct 17 - 05:59 AM (#3885242) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: Tattie Bogle As a slight thread drift, it makes a great ceilidh dance tune! We have it in a set for Military Two Step, followed by Nellie the Elephant, then Lily the Pink. (And another friend tacks on the Liberty Bell as a 4th tune.) |
|
28 Oct 17 - 08:54 PM (#3885343) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: GUEST,Marcia Palmater Glad I read this lengthy thread! I'm surprised that no one mentioned the Teddy Roosevelt story. He was a big-game hunter who spared the life of a bear cub. A cartoonist immortalized the moment, and the rest, as they say, is history. That's where teddy bears came from. |
|
29 Oct 17 - 02:57 AM (#3885353) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: BobL Great Ceilidh dance tune, and there is a square dance written for it (by Hilary Herbert, so hardly a ceilidh dance). |
|
29 Oct 17 - 12:34 PM (#3885473) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: Leadfingers Tedddy Bear's Rave up was a Rewrite by Pee Wee Hunt - He used to be in the navy (Met him in Singapore in 1969/70 ), and saw his group , Mechanical Horsetrough in the mid seventies !! |
|
29 Oct 17 - 08:07 PM (#3885550) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: Joe_F Further details on the story: In November 1902 TR went to Mississippi to help settle a boundary dispute between that state and Louisiana. He was taken on a bear hunt, but had no luck. In desperation, his hosts cornered a cub & tied it to a tree for him to shoot. He thought that unsporting, and refused. (The cub was injured, and his hosts put it out of its misery.) There were reporters on the hunt, and the Washington Post printed a cartoon, which was widely circulated, with the punning caption "Drawing the Line in Mississippi". Inspired by it, a storekeeper made up some stuffed bears, and obtained the president's permission to name them after him. They were a success. Coincidentally, a German toy manufacturer had tooled up to make bears, and an enterprising American, seeing them at a fair, put in a large order. The fad become worldwide, and for a long time Germany was the center of the industry. |
|
30 Oct 17 - 07:42 PM (#3885819) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnicking From: GUEST,Marcia Palmater Thank you, Joe, for the additional info! |
|
01 Nov 17 - 05:08 AM (#3886107) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: Jack Campin Anybody going to rewrite the words to suit Trumpy Bears? |
|
02 Nov 17 - 10:30 PM (#3886493) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: Tattie Bogle Already did a Trump song, but to the tune of Nellie the Elephant - Trump, Trump, Trump! It's on a thread somewhere on this site. |
|
03 Nov 17 - 06:15 AM (#3886533) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: Jack Campin Fine, but Trumpy Bears are a thing. Look it up. |
|
04 Nov 17 - 06:10 PM (#3886820) Subject: RE: Origins: Teddy Bears' Picnic From: Tattie Bogle Ha-ha! I just did: sure that's not Fake News? |