When we were enjoying our refreshing drinks in the pub garden at Boston Spa, we noticed a dog in the window of a terraced house just across the street. We could also hear his intermittent excited yapping as people walked past. He was like a prisoner trapped in his cell when he just wanted to be out running and sniffing. God Almighty - free at last!
The sight reminded me of that old song by Patti Page - "How Much is That Doggie in the Window?" It was number one in the year that I was born. The deep meaningfulness of this moving hit song seeped into the lives of every child born in 1953:-
How much is that doggie in the window?
The one with the waggly tail
How much is that doggie in the window?
I do hope that doggie's for sale
Of course in symbolic terms the song reflects upon the insidious effects of commercialism and possessiveness. It was lovingly crafted by songwriter Bob Merrill whose other great gifts to the music world included "If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd Have Baked a Cake", "She Wears Red Feathers" and "Mambo Italiano"..
Apologies to any readers who were misled by the title of this blogpost and expected more titillating content. But that's not my style.
He wanted to meet you!
ReplyDeleteHe wanted to eat me!
DeleteDid you know that Patti Page’s real name was Clara Ann Fowler?
ReplyDeleteWow! You don't say Bob.. Rhymes With Howler.
DeleteCommercialism and possessiveness? I just thought it was about falling in love with a puppy in a shop. I have a very simple mind.
ReplyDeleteI was being flippant Sue.
DeleteI suspect that the 'deep symbolism' seeped into absolutely no one's brain.
ReplyDeleteHow surprising.
DeleteSadly I know all of the words to that song having sung it at the coronation show put on in my area. We also sang 'She wore red feathers in her hula hula skirt' originally sung by Guy Mitchell. Now I'm showing my age, I was 7 years old wearing a red, white and blue outfit made by my Mum for the occasion.
ReplyDeleteHope I've got my sang and sung's in the right order, I'm sure you'll tell me if they're wrong. lol
Briony
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I am pleased that this post stirred some good memories for you Mrs C. Your snogs and snags all appear to be in good order today.
DeleteI hate that song. I like some of Patti Page's other tunes, like "Old Cape Cod" and "Allegheny Moon" -- but that doggie in the window just makes me crazy.
ReplyDeleteHow much is that Olga in the window?
DeleteThe one with the big grinning teeth?
How much is that Olga in the window?
Gonna take her up on Hampstead Heath
ha ha - good one YP
DeleteTHAT has made me feel old. I remember that song being played on Two-Way Family Favourites along with "I'm a pink toothbrush, you're a blue toothbrush" and Danny Kay's "Ugly Swan". Gawd, the songs were really innocent in those days.
ReplyDeleteThey had hidden meanings. So well-hidden you couldn't find them.
DeleteDoggie in the window was popular alright. So popular that I dislike the song intensely. It was played over and over again in 1953. Now I do like Patti Page. I'll check her out on you tube.
ReplyDeleteI guess you were about 21 back in 1953 Red. Slightly too old to have fought in World War II.
DeleteWhen I stop to consider it, I think "Doggie In The Window" has to be one of the first songs I remember learning. I was born in 1957 and I suppose I was about four at the time I remember singing it, so it was still going strong even after that many years.
ReplyDeleteI was born the year before you Jenny, and I also learnt it, along with 'I'm saving my money to buy you a rainbow' and '... I've got a pocket full of stardust ...'. and '(much older) 'K-k-k-Katie ... '
DeleteAs the eldest grandchild I was expected to Perform. A pity when the tiniest enquiry would have revealed I was a confirmed Introvert and in agonies having to stand up in company. Ho hum.
I bear the songs no grudge however. I like sweet innocent songs. They provide a nice antidote to some of today's cynicism.
Ah, how hard that must have been for a little girl. I learned "K-k-k-Katie" much later in life and loved it!
DeleteDo you mind if I interrupt your conversation ladies? It's nice that this post about a silly song has stirred memories for both of you.
DeleteCan I just saythat some of the greatest performers are introverts. Nobody should be excluded from the stage on the basis of introversion. The main thing is for the individual to follow their own interest, which is what did not happen to kate
DeleteI have never heard the song (or of the song), but there is definitely nothing wrong with doggie!
ReplyDeleteAfter that remark I have no further comment.
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ReplyDeleteI refuse to make reference to your final comment. Moving on....showing great restraint...
DeleteThat song was such a huge hit...it was so, so popular when I was a little girl. Boy! It's years since I've heard it. What fun it is!
Well I am glad that the doggie song entertained you Lee and I also rather glad that you did not comment on my final comment. However, that is unsurprising as you are a well-mannered lady.
DeleteWell, it's true what you say - dogs are posessions ... but who owns who?
ReplyDeleteI often wonder when I am out picking up dog poo if the Martians wonder about the Main Order on Earth as we are led by our 'doggies' and are (the responsible ones that is) are considerate to their every need.
Despicable people that abuse/neglect animals as they do other humans are the worlds worst creatures IMHO
These days to afford a dog is really a luxury (if for some like me, also a necessity)
I have never owned a dog and never want one. They are so tying. However, I see what you mean about the Martians. Who rules this planet? Maybe it's the ants not the dogs.
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