Thinking about Frogs in Folk Music.
April 4, 2011
So it’s just occurred to me, how absurd it is that I know not one, but in fact two, folk songs about romantically ambitious frogs. And one of them had been covered religiously by every great Americana singer I can think of – except Townes Van Zandt, who’s much too serious (do correct me if I’m wrong about that…).
Of course I’m talking about “Froggy Went A-Courtin’”. Here’s Elvis Presley, singing it as fast as he possibly can.
The other song I’m thinking about is English. It’s called “Froggy Would A-Wooing Go”, and it’s got a “Roly-Poly Gammon and Spinach” chorus. The only version I can find of this that’s faithful to the tune I learnt in my childhood is by The Wiggles, and I hope that you find this as alarming as I did.
It’s an excellent work of nonsense.
On the subject of works of nonsense, this is all by way of introduction to the fact that I’ve now stuck some of my own nonsense up here, I hope you like it.
Um, sorry for The Wiggles, guys. You can stop listening about now.
Jordan. xx
