Do you know the words to “Teddy Bears’ Picnic”? I thought I did. I don’t know what inspired me to launch into this particular song tonight at bedtime, but it seemed like a good idea. I thought the kids would like it, and even though I haven’t sung it in YEARS, I felt confident heading into the interlude. And then…
Watch them wash their underwear! Those little Teddy Bears are having a wonderful time tonight! See them wash their underwear! As they picnic on their holiday!
My children dissolved in laughter. ”Mom! That doesn’t make any sense! Why are they washing their underwear on a picnic?”
I didn’t know. But weren’t those the words? Hadn’t I sung them all my childhood? My hippy, hippy childhood where we learn things like this song and all the verses to “Riding in my Car” plus everyone sang “Octopus’ Garden” even before seeing it on Muppet Show? (As a side note, the last time I remembered singing these songs was around a huge bonfire out in a field at a sing-along.)
I looked it up. There is no washing of underwear at the picnic. It is “Watch them, take them unawares”. Who knew?
7 Comments, Comment or Ping
Oh my gosh, how did you find a picture to match this post so well? That’s hilarious.
Are you going to do a post about New Orleans???
April 14th, 2010
Google images “bear underwear” and you can find some AMAZING things.
April 14th, 2010
I always thought it was, “watch them, watch them unawares”. Those are really weird lyrics anyway- however you sing them. I frankly like the idea of bears washing their underwear in the river. It makes total sense.
April 14th, 2010
I like the idea of bears wearing underwear.
April 14th, 2010
Oh, I love this. And totally cute photo, too. You always make me laugh, Ingrid!
April 15th, 2010
Too funny!
April 18th, 2010
“Watch them, catch them unaware and see them picnic on their holiday. See them gayly gad-about, they love to sing and shout, they never have any care. At 6:00 o’clock their mamas and papas will take them home to bed because they’re tired, little teddy bears”…….. were you the one that sang about Round John Virgin?
April 21st, 2010
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