Listen to the opening verse; it isn't a song for kids, but it has the perfect circling rhythm of a kids' chant, and the unguarded feel of someone who hasn't yet learned to rein in his wish-making.
If I had a boat
I'd go out on the ocean
And if I had a pony
I'd ride him on my boat
And we could all together
Go out on the ocean
Me upon my pony on my boat
...and then it ends with:
And if I were like lightning
I wouldn't need no sneakers
I'd come and go wherever I would please
And I'd scare 'em by the shade tree
And I'd scare 'em by the light pole
But I would not scare my pony on my boat out on the sea
And if I had a boat
I'd go out on the ocean
And if I had a pony
I'd ride him on my boat
And we could all together
Go out on the ocean
Me upon my pony on my boat
I've often tried to puzzle out why I love this song so. I don't like boats or ponies, at least not enough to own either of them. But Lyle re-opens the door to thinking about what I want, what I'd wish for, if I could remember how it was before I knew there were limits to what I could have. It's a great place from which to write children's fiction.
Poetry Friday is hosted today by Kate Coombs at Book Aunt
Oh how I love him. And that song.
ReplyDeleteI love this song and Lyle Lovett in general.
ReplyDeleteAnd remembering "how it was before I knew there were limits to what I could have" is part of what I love o much about teaching.
Lyle Lovett is a true talent. I love song lyrics!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cute, wistful song. It's ...childlike in its simplicity and the wideness of its wonder. Lovely. Lyle Lovett. Who knew!?
ReplyDeleteLove him. Still haven't seen him perform in person, though. Someday!
ReplyDeleteHis "Live in Texas" album is one of my all-time favorites. Hard to pick just one favorite track from it!
ReplyDeleteYou go, Tonto!
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean about this song...I connect, but definitely not so much on a literal level...
I've never heard this song before but you are right. There is something charming in the child-like wonder and joy in putting the pony on the boat - two wishes together! I love the mischievous little smile he cracks now and then in the video.
ReplyDelete