 John the OFM  | 22 Feb 2013 5:35 p.m. PST |
All right, this is a REALLY stupid question. Here is a typical video:
YouTube link
chosen for maximum ick factor, out of many.
I first heard this "cute" song years ago when I bought a tape or album (I forget which) for my kids. Why the heck do you "throw them (your ears) over your shoulder like a Continental soldier?"
I suspect that this is a much grimmer song than would appear at first glance. Or, maybe not.  Anyone with a PhD in Stupid Kids' Songs out there? |
| jpattern2 | 22 Feb 2013 5:41 p.m. PST |
Someone once told me that song was all about dogs' ears. Hound dog ears hang low, German Shepherd ears stand high, Cocker Spaniel ears flip-flop, etc. Offered for what it's worth.
I have no idea what any of that has to do with a Continental sojer. |
| epturner | 22 Feb 2013 5:49 p.m. PST |
All I'm thinking of is that poor bassett hound being tortured by Barney and the Crumsnatcher. Where was the SPCA for this??? Eric |
| Scott MacPhee | 22 Feb 2013 6:05 p.m. PST |
It was originally a question about Testicles and his brother. |
| M C MonkeyDew | 22 Feb 2013 6:12 p.m. PST |
Wikipedia says this is a veiled (and transported) reference to the War of Jenkin's Ear. |
| Timotheous | 22 Feb 2013 6:57 p.m. PST |
And why is the listener asked if he can 'tie 'em in a knot' or 'tie 'em in a bow'? Inquiring minds want to know. |
| Doc Gigawatts | 22 Feb 2013 8:02 p.m. PST |
|
 Der Alte Fritz | 22 Feb 2013 8:05 p.m. PST |
You are a terrible terrible man Mister Johnny. |
| Green Tiger | 23 Feb 2013 4:24 a.m. PST |
British version is "Regimental soldier" and I always assumed it meant your lobes were so long that they could be rest on your shoulder like a sloped rifle but what do I know… |
| daghan | 23 Feb 2013 4:39 a.m. PST |
Substitute "boobies" for "ears". |
| Ashurman | 23 Feb 2013 8:42 a.m. PST |
Och, Johnnie… The version I first heard was ex-army, and taught to us by a Boy Scout leader who served from the 30's-50's…the word that replaced ears was "wang" which, as all we old people know, meant… |
| jpattern2 | 23 Feb 2013 9:36 a.m. PST |
A defunct computer company? |
| Der Alte Fritz | 23 Feb 2013 10:06 a.m. PST |
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| Cerdic | 25 Feb 2013 12:07 a.m. PST |
I've never heard the 'ears' version before. I thought it was always 'balls'! |
| Narratio | 04 Mar 2013 6:07 a.m. PST |
Likewise I always thought it was 'balls'. I'd say that somebody tried to clean it up for the dear children… |
| Old Contemptibles | 04 Mar 2013 12:23 p.m. PST |
In 1814 we took a little trip… YouTube link Same tune? No, probably not. |
| number4 | 16 Apr 2013 4:48 p.m. PST |
Green Tiger for the win :) It comes from the drill movement "Shoulder your – firelocks!" where the soldier is instructed the 'throw' his musket upwards and across the body into the position now called left shoulder arms. YouTube link |
receives a gift from his wife…
