In honor of my long suffering black wool winter coat with a crone’s hood, and in deference to the brittle cold still with us, here’s a little fun from the Cutoff. “Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear”, which at least one of my children thought I made up. Could it have have been my unique singing voice, or embarrassingly silly antics?
Written by Randy Newman, it has been performed by many, including the Muppets. I give you three versions. Take your pick of renditions, turn up the volume, ignore the commercials, and smile.
Do you have a favorite old coat or sweater or hat? How about a dancing bear?
I never met a coat I didn’t like, Penny. What’s worse is I don’t need coats much, yet I never fail to find at least five per winter I like. π
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When I think of all those coats I didn’t buy … sigh … ah, well, this winter you have had need for coats, with your travels, and your walk on the Natchez Trace about to commence. Dress warmly, Andra.
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Oh yes, I remember this from the muppets. My son loved it and now Mira listens to an old Muppet record that I have at the bach. Love the Pooh Bear quote too. Thank you for the fun Penny.
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You are welcome, Juliet. How fun it is to hear the the little one listens to the Muppet record. There is a certain fascination that comes with the old records, spinning and just a bit scratchy.
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Fun, catchy little tune, Penny. I think I liked Alan’s version best (with apologies to Randy π ). A bit of Googling revealed that Bobby Short and a folk artist, Norman Foote, also sang it. I can’t imagine why I never heard it, but now it’s firmly planted in my ear for the evening. Actually, I went out today and if the weather tomorrow replicates today’s, I’m NOT going out tomorrow! It’s reeeaaally cold, and I’m ready to be done with the snow and ANY winter coat, no matter its appearance!
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I debated about putting in Randy, for he wrote it, or Harry Nillson, who does my favorite rendition. Opted for Randy, in part because he comes closer to how I sing (sorry, Randy). Over the years, I’ve managed to confuse the words a bit, but, still sing it come winter. I’m still a silly girl at heart. hehe
Unfortunately, I do have to go out today, which is now tomorrow. It is frigid out there, and I need to play dress up, so, won’t be wearing my coat of protection. I am really looking forward to warmer weather and no snow. Stay warm, Karen, and let’s hope the predictions for snow don’t materialize.
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Thanks for a big smile, Penny. Listening to the Alan Price version transported me straight back to my student days and the joint party a good friend and I held to celebrate our 21st birthdays. When everyone started dancing to this song, I thought the floor might give way. π
Here’s hoping your forecast snow turns out to be less than predicted. It’s March tomorrow and spring WILL come.
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I was SO hoping the Alan Price version would bring a smile your way, Perpetua. Little did I know you and your friends, on your 21st birthday, were dancing the night away, rattling the floor boards, to Simon Smith and His Dancing Bear. I’m am so delighted that you shared this memory. Thank you.
Me too. Let’s see how March decides to come in; lion or lamb? I can take the lion, if the mid-March sees gentler weather.
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Love the Pooh illustration. π
It’s funny how you forget about certain performers isn’t it? And I had just about forgotten Alan Price. Was he at all well known in the US in the 60s?
Take care in the snow.
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I did, too, Cath. It is one that has been circulating through emails of late and I finally found a place to use it.
I don’t believe Alan Price was that well know here in the States. I first heard the song song by Harry Nillson. I was going to use him, but, then saw Alan Price Set and thought it might be a fun remembrance for those of you in Great Britain. I’m thrilled that you and Perpetua, above, have some memories.
Thanks, Cath. More coming down as I write.
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I love Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear all three versions that you posted. I think my favorite, though, has always been Harry Nilsson. I think I was first introduced to the song on an album entitled Nilsson sings Newman. I sometimes sing this to the grand kids. They always think I am crazy anyway so they are not surprised.
All coats should have a hood as far as I am concerned. I want my neck warm.
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Correction: Simon Smith was on the album called simply Harry. For you young folks an album was vinyl and black with a big picture on the cardboard cover that you stared at while you listened to the music. He he he.
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You may be pleased to know that Tom was sure you would remember Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear, and that we all heard it sung originally here by Harry Nilsson. I know that exact album, Janet (which was filled with such good songs). In fact, I’m sure we still have Harry, resting in peace in the basement, where all good albums rest in our house. I was going to use the Nilsson rendition, but, then went with the Alan Price one, thinking my overseas friends in Great Britain might recall it – and they did. So much fun. I’ve sung it to the grands, as well, and my own kids when they were young, and this winter, to the deer, who look at me as if to say “are there really dancing bears on the Cutoff?” tee hee
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Oh, what a ray of sunshine, Penny, and spring is just around the corner. Lovely post!
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Thank you, Kate. A nice thing to say. I think we can all use some sunshine right now. March is coming in like a lion hereabouts, but, spring is indeed just around the corner.
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This is just wonderful, Penny. A perfect song to match your coat! I remember the Nilsson rendition, too, but I have a real soft spot in my heart for the Muppets. π I don’t need heavy coats, but I have one I bought in a second-hand store that comes out occasionally. It was probably a ridiculously expensive coat when new. It’s actually a waterproof, lined cape with a hood. It’s European and so heavy I only wear it in the most extreme conditions–therefore, rarely! It’s the kind of coat you probably could use with this season’s 50Β° below winters. I purchased it for a song–probably because no one else in Southern California saw the necessity in such a very heavy coat! It’s getting late here and I’ll be in bed soonβ¦with this marvelous song stuck in my head. LOL!
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Thank you, Debra. I think you were listening to that “Harry” album around the same time we were. As I mentioned to Janet, I almost used the Nilsson rendition, and opted to put in the Alan Price one instead for our friends across the pond. It was my delight to read that they remembered that rendition. Isn’t this fun?
Sounds like a great replacement to my relic of a coat. What a good “find” for you – and you won’t have to “borrow a coat to wear” when those black bears come down the mountain.
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Dear Penny, all three versions were new to me because I’d never before heard the song. Thanks so much for sharing. The 3rd version by Randy Newman is the one I think I liked the best because his voice is so gritty.
As to clothes. I have some favorite sweat shirts–all old and tatty with bleach smears on them and tea stains. When I don them on overcast and chilly days, I feel toasty and comfy and ready to simply be. Peace.
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Gritty is a good way to describe Randy Newman’s voice, Dee. He certainly has a distinct sound. It is such a fun song, which we all need once-in-awhile.
Those sound like my kind of clothes, Dee; perfect to wear and “to simply be”. I’ve been wearing my share of just those old shirts these days, as I’m sure are many other holed up with this neverending winter.
By-the-way, I am delighted to tell you that I finally sat down to “simply be” this weekend, thoroughly enjoying “A Cat’s Life” and Dulcy. It is such a sweet story of love that I feel privileged to have read. Thank you.
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Dear Penny, I’m so pleased that you’ve met Dulcy and that you found the story of our love affair sweet. Peace.
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The song was cute … and new to me somehow. But my favorite part of the post was the Pooh/Piglet picture. I love that.
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Isn’t it a great picture? It was in one of those emails making the rounds a few months ago, and I saved it – for just the right time. One can never have enough of Piglet and Pooh.
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What a fun post Penny!
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Thanks, Janet.
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