//THE SOUND OF MUZAK//
Music is a big part of life for many of us. It’s hard to imagine living without the richness that our favorite melodies provide.
When we became parents, the Petite Filet and I found ourselves using music to soothe our wee one in his times of tantrum or simply just because he likes it. Lately, we’ve found ourselves making up words to existing songs, or playing the part of composer as well with random ditties about diapers, drool or being small.
To wit:
1. The newest is a song I like to call “Little Man.” It has no definable melody, and is more like a chant. Here are the words:
Little man, little man, little man – little man, little man, little man.
It kind of does that for awhile. For variety, sometimes the second set of “little man’s” is “you like the ceiling fan” or “you’ve never been to Japan.” Both lines are true, anyhow. It’s hard to get this song out of our heads sometimes, which must be the mark of true genius.
2. The Petite Filet has modified and personalized “Edelweiss” from the Sound of Music, but I don’t know all the words to it. Gives me tingles when she sings it to the Cutlet.
3. Another favorite is sung to the tune of the ’50s classic “Mr. Sandman”. Normally we use it when trying to burp our boy after a feeding:
Mr. Cutlet, give some air!
Open your mouth and blow back my hair.
A little burp will make you feel better.
Just don’t spit up all over my clean sweater. (and so on).
4. Using the tune from the Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” is the toe-tapping “Got A Wet Diaper!” Am sure it will turn into “Piggyback Rider” once he’s old enough.
5. We reprise K.C. & The Sunshine Band’s “Shake Your Booty” sometimes when the Cutlet is laying on his back. We sing “shake, shake, shake” and move his legs a little. Then we get to “shake your booty!” and gently bob his bottom on the floor. He loves it!
There are others (think Jimi Hindrix’s “Purple Haze” when diapers turn deadly), and there’s sure to be more. We want the Cutlet to appreciate music as he grows up, despite the crazy things his parents sing to him now.
