Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Wanted: Big Boat Song

Anyone know any songs about a big boat? My silly son keeps requesting a song about a big boat during his lengthy bedtime ritual, and I have no clue what he is talking about. He assures me it's not "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."

Each night after the teeth brushing battle is over, I read Colter a few books, let him turn out the light with his foot (no idea how that started), sing him a few songs while we snuggle in the chair, pray, hug and kiss my sweetie, and put him in his crib. The songs always used to be normal lullabies like "Hush Little Baby" or "You Are My Sunshine" but awhile back, somehow, "On Top of Spaghetti" became the nightly song. I don't know how that happened, but every night, our boy wanted the meatball song. I have to insert Colter's name anywhere "I" is used in the song, or I have to start over. If John put Colter to bed, I would have to come in and sing the meatball song before Colter would lie down. My son isn't particular or anything.

Recently, the meatball song has been replaced by "American Pie" by Don McLean. Really. A little over a week ago, Colter had a night when he didn't want to stay in his crib (probably because he slept with his mommy for a week and a half while we were on vacation!), so I rocked him and sang for a half hour or so. Apparently one of the songs I sang was "American Pie" which is funny because I don't even know all the words. I know the "Bye bye Miss American Pie" part pretty good, but I know I mix up the verses and have to go "da da dum de da" in several spots. I figured out soon though, that Colter likes that song! The next evening when I was rocking and singing to him, every time I'd start a song, he'd say "no," and I'd have to try again until I sang the right song. Finally, after who knows how many songs, I hit the winner with "American Pie." I just went with it, but had no idea why he picked that one, until last night. He asked for the "truck" song. "Truck song?" I thought. Hmm..... OH!!!!! There's a "pink carnation and a pick-up truck" mentioned and he "drove my Chevy to the levy" (although I doubt Colter knows what a Chevy is, but he knows what drove means). That's why I have to sing "American Pie!" It's the truck song! I also am required to sing the train song, "I've Been Working On the Railroad." Can you tell that lately Colter has become obsessed with modes of transportation?

So, I know what Colter means when he asked for the "twain" song and the truck song, but he keeps asking for a big boat song. What boat song could I possible have sung my son? I can't even think of any boat songs, but he has asked for "big boat" four or five nights in a row. What is he talking about? I may have to write one...

4 comments:

Rachel said...

Well I vote you should just create one because well you are so creative and that would be awesome - what about.........well row row row your boat, the yellow submarine, michael row your boat shore, you and me going fishing in the dark, that's all I've got as far as boat songs go though.

stephanie said...

"Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" ? It's from the same era as "American Pie"...

Best of luck :D

Alysa said...

Sorry no help from me as far as boat songs, but I agree with Rachel that you should just write one!

Speaking of boats, I just read your White Water Rafting post. Joel and I were just talking about it the other day - I want to go, but he (like John) is not a water loving guy. Sigh, maybe someday. Or maybe someday you and I can go and John and Joel can babysit! :)

Heidi said...

I don't know about the big boat song but how cute is it that he loves you to sing "American Pie"? What a kid!