Our memory is an unpredictable gift given to us by our
Creator. Sometimes we can't remember
something we heard five minutes before.
Other times we can remember something we heard fifty years earlier. Such is the case with a song that was
released in 1957 when I was five. I
remember a small record player that Mom and Dad had bought my brother Richard
and I to play children's songs on.
Dad's HiFi was reserved for his jazz music. He had a great collection of records (78s). More than 50 years after we played that song on our small record player,
I can still remember the words. The
song is "Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee" (no relation to
Crocodile.)
I know a wee squirrel who lives in an oak.
He loves a good lunch and he loves a good joke.
There's a wee bit of Scotch in his family tree.
He's Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
He's Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
Of chestnuts and acorns he's gathered a store.
Although he has plenty he still gathers more.
And he has them for breakfast and luncheon and tea.
Young Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
Young Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
His brothers and sisters and uncles and aunts
Quite often will gather and have a fine dance.
And they leap through the air with hilarious glee.
With Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
With Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
Once while they were dancing a hunter came by.
And all of the squirrels the hunter did spy.
And he lifted his rifle and aimed carefully
At Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
At Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
The rifle went off with a terrible blast.
But Angus MacFergus was faster than fast.
And the bullet went deep in that poor old oak tree.
But it never touched Angus MacFergus Dundee.
But it never touched Angus MacFergus Dundee.
The hunter looked round but the squirrels were gone.
Of all of those dancers there wasn't a one.
They were all safely hid in that friendly oak tree
With Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
With Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
I often imagine that I'd like to be
A bonnie wee squirrel and live in a tree.
Pay no rent and no taxes and get my lunch free
Like Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
Like Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee.
Why I remember this song, I do not know. From this same period of time in my life I
remember a poem Mom had me memorize so I could recite it in Jr. Sunday
School. But, that is a story for
another day.
Today I went on the internet and did a Google search on
Angus MacFergus MacTavish Dundee. There
it was, on You Tube. The song was sung
by Burl Ives. For those of you who want
to hear it, here is the link. And, yes,
I did correctly remember the words.
Listen and enjoy. I have enjoyed the song for over 50 years, at least in my memory.
While it's been several years since you wrote this blog a similar and nagging memory caused me to do the search of a song that often comes to mind and voice. To the joy and laughter when my children were young, the eye rolling as teenagers, the understanding appreciation as they became adults. Ha-ha, thanks for the memory - Mike
ReplyDeleteIt is a song I remember as well. Brings back a lot of childhood memories; when the world was much simpler, summers were warm and long, and a child could be a child.
ReplyDeleteSpot on....I recall vividly it was played frequently on the Capt Kangaroo tv show. "Mr. Moose" liked the song and "Bunny Rabitt,didn't...remember them? Once, Mr. GreenJeans" joined in to sing that song along with the recording and the whole show took place in the "Treasure House". There was "Grandfather Clock" who spoke often, too. The dropping of a huge amount of ping-pong balls on the Capt from above became a staple in the show as well. About twice a week on the show aired a cartoon named: "Tom Terrific" and his dog-"Manfred"....the theme song started each show and the song did not stop until the Capt's huge key ring with approx 5 big keys was put on that hook on side of that main counter. Bob Keyshen (sp?) was the perfect Capt. Kangaroo. ,Ms.Sherry with her handpuppet lamb named "Lambchop" often was on the show, too. Not bad recall for a 66 yr old guy, heh?....lol
ReplyDeleteAs a young boy in the fifties,fifty four to be exact. I found myself thru my life humming this song which has embedded itself in my memory. Just for laughs I searched you tube and found it was Burl Ives had sung it. I thought I saw it on Captain Kangeroo. Anyway I sing it to my grandkids. It’s a cute song and not such a bad memory.
ReplyDeleteHey, I just found an old family album of 78s including the Decca record with Angus and The Tenor Doodle-Doo. What memories for a kid born in 1949!
ReplyDelete