Lyrical Literacy

Old Sultan was faithful and trueBut his teeth were gone, his years were through
The shepherd thought, “Tomorrow he’ll go”But his wife said, “No, let him stay, you know”
Sultan may be old, his teeth all goneBut he’s served us well, he’s brave and strongOne more chance is all he needsTo prove his worth with loyal deeds
Poor Sultan lay by, feeling sad and lowHe heard the words, he’d have to go
But off he went to his friend, the wolfWith a plan to stay – a clever gulf
The wolf said, “Sultan, here’s what we’ll do—Tomorrow I’ll grab the child from youYou chase me down and play the heroThen your master will love you more than a year ago”
Sultan may be old, his teeth all goneBut he’s served us well, he’s brave and strongOne more chance is all he needsTo prove his worth with loyal deeds
So the wolf ran off with the child in towSultan chased fast, putting on a show
The shepherd cried, “Sultan, you’re bold and true”And gave him food and a cushion too
The wolf came back, grinning wide“Now let me in to steal some prideJust turn away when I grab a sheep—A little reward for secrets to keep”
But Sultan may be old, with teeth all goneStill, he’ll stay loyal, fierce, and strongWith a wise old bark and a clever planHe won’t betray his master’s hand
So Sultan warned the shepherd in timeAnd the wolf got smacked for his little crime
Now angry and sore, the wolf did declare“I’ll have revenge—this isn’t fair”
The wolf sent a boar to challenge a fightBut Sultan went with his friend, tail high and bright
The cat with her limp and her tail held tallMade the wolf and boar feel two feet small
Sultan may be old, his teeth all goneBut with friends like this, he’ll fight till dawnFor in his heart, loyal and trueHe stands his ground, like he used to do
The boar ran off with a scratch and a squealAnd the wolf climbed high like a frightened eel
Sultan laughed as he walked awayWith his cat by his side, both bold and brave
Sultan may be old, his teeth all goneBut he’s fierce, he’s clever, he’s never withdrawnWith his friend, the cat, he’ll face the frayA loyal heart that’ll never stray

Little Boy Blue, come, blow your horn!The sheep's in the meadow, the cow's in the corn.Where's the little boy that looks after the sheep?Under the haystack, fast asleep!
The sheep have wandered, the cow’s having fun,Munching on corn in the bright midday sun.The barnyard’s a mess, the field’s in dismay,While Little Boy Blue sleeps the day away.
Little Boy Blue, come, blow your horn!The sheep's in the meadow, the cow's in the corn.Where's the little boy that looks after the sheep?Under the haystack, fast asleep!
They nudge him, they poke him, they moo in his ear,But Little Boy Blue just won’t appear.His hat pulled down, his blanket tight,Dreaming through the noon and night.
Little Boy Blue, come, blow your horn!The sheep's in the meadow, the cow's in the corn.Where's the little boy that looks after the sheep?Under the haystack, fast asleep!
Now the rooster crows, the sun’s sinking low,But where could that boy with the horn be, though?With hay in his hair and dreams in his head,
Little Boy Blue, come, blow your horn!The sheep's in the meadow, the cow's in the corn.Where's the little boy that looks after the sheep?Under the haystack, fast asleep!
 

Joy to the World
 
Joy to the world the Lord is comeLet earth receive her KingLet every heart prepare Him roomAnd heaven and nature singAnd heaven and nature singAnd heaven and heaven and nature sing
Joy to the earth the Savior reignsLet men their songs employWhile fields and floods rocks hills and plainsRepeat the sounding joyRepeat the sounding joyRepeat repeat the sounding joy
No more let sins and sorrows growNor thorns infest the groundHe comes to make His blessings flowFar as the curse is foundFar as the curse is foundFar as far as the curse is found
He rules the world with truth and graceAnd makes the nations proveThe glories of His righteousnessAnd wonders of His loveAnd wonders of His loveAnd wonders wonders of His love
 
Newton Willams Brownhttps://music.apple.com/gb/artist/newton-willams-brown/1781653273https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Ec9DTFD4EMsxdpiiGos2p?si=_S4w85ESS02IHZ9F9158RAhttps://newton.musinique.com

We Three KingsLyrics adapted by Nik Bear Brown
We three kings of Orient are;Bearing gifts we traverse afar,Field and fountain, moor and mountain,Following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of light,Star with royal beauty bright,Westward leading, still proceeding,Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,Gold I bring to crown him again,King forever, ceasing never,Over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I;Incense owns a Deity nigh;Prayer and praising, voices raising,Worshiping God on high.
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfumeBreathes a life of gathering gloom;Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
O star of wonder, star of light,Star with royal beauty bright,Westward leading, still proceeding,Guide us to thy perfect light.
From the East, we journey afar,Led by faith and guided by star,Through the desert, hope sustaining,To the child our hearts are reigning.
See the babe in lowly stall,Love’s great gift for one and all.Hope eternal, joy unending,Heaven and Earth in peace descending.
Light eternal, pure and divine,Fills the Earth with holy shine.Kings bow low, and shepherds wonder,God’s great love, a gift of thunder.
O star of wonder, star of light,Star with royal beauty bright,Westward leading, still proceeding,Guide us to thy perfect light.

He's Popeye the Sailor Man
 
The sea don’t fear the stormAnd neither does he when the truth gets warm
He been carved by the tide where the moon runs thinWhere the salt hits the wound and the strength beginsEvery wave been a teacher with a quiet demandSaying rise with the power only soul can commandHe been walking on the edges where the brave don’t landBut courage is a compass you can hold in your hand
He's Popeye the Sailor ManHe's Popeye the Sailor ManHe's strong to the finich'Cause he eats his spinachHe's Popeye the Sailor Man!
There’s a whisper in the deep when the night turns coldIt’s the sound of a spirit that refuses to foldHe been fed by the earth with a humble graceAnd it painted its thunder right across his faceYou can see that shimmer when the wild winds callHe don’t bend when the shadows fall
He's Popeye the Sailor ManHe's Popeye the Sailor ManHe's strong to the finich'Cause he eats his spinachHe's Popeye the Sailor Man!
Stand up in the storm when your voice feels thinLet the tide pull the doubt from withinEvery wave got a lesson for the landEvery heart got a sail in its hand
He rises when the dark runs longStrong to the finish when the night feels strongHe rises with the tide again and again’Cause power grows quiet in the bones of a man

C is for Cookie | Sing-a-Long
 
The Lyrical Literacy podcast https://podcast.humanitarians.ai/ explores the musical legacy of a beloved blue monster from children's television and his iconic cookie-themed anthem. This episode examines how a simple five-note melody became a cultural touchstone, featuring discussions of the character's unique vocal style, the song's musical simplicity, and its enduring appeal. We dive into how this character's enthusiasm for baked goods translated into a charming musical expression that generations have enjoyed.
Origin Summary
This episode focuses on a famous children's television song that first appeared in 1971 on Sesame Street. The song features Cookie Monster celebrating his favorite food with a simple, catchy tune that has become one of the most recognizable melodies in children's educational programming.
C is for Cookie
On Sesame Street,where the cookies crumble,Cookie Monster sings,his voice a humbleFive-note wonder,a simple song,Where cookies and melodies belong.
“C is for cookie,” that's good enough for me,Five little notes in a cookie melody.A monster's voice,deep and true,Singing the blues,‘bout cookies too.
No ballads here,just crunchy treats,On the stage,he feels the beats.Grover might join,a duet they’d try,Sounds like a cookie-filled battle cry.
Bill Sherman laughs,says it's quite a show,With growls and gargles,the tunes they flow.“Arrggh” they sing,not always on key,But in Cookie’s world,it's perfect harmony.
“C is for cookie,” that's good enough for me,Five little notes in a cookie melody.A monster's voice,deep and true,Singing the blues,‘bout cookies too.
So if you wander down Sesame Street,And a singing monster you happen to meet.Remember it’s Cookie,with his charming range,Five notes of joy,and none would change.
“C is for cookie,” that's good enough for me,Five little notes in a cookie melody.A monster's voice,deep and true,Singing the blues,‘bout cookies too.
Bill Sherman laughs,says it's quite a show,With growls and gargles,the tunes they flow.“Arrggh” they sing,not always on key,But in Cookie’s world,it's perfect harmony.
“C is for cookie,” that's good enough for me,Five little notes in a cookie melody.A monster's voice,deep and true,Singing the blues,‘bout cookies too.
So if you wander down Sesame Street,And a singing monster you happen to meet.Remember it’s Cookie,with his charming range,Five notes of joy,and none would change.
“C is for cookie,” that's good enough for me,Five little notes in a cookie melody.A monster's voice,deep and true,Singing the blues,‘bout cookies too.
#SesameStreetSongs #ChildhoodClassics #CookieMonster #MusicEducation #FiveNoteMelody #MusicalMonsters #PuppetPerformances #EducationalSongs #ChildrensTV #MusicSimplicity #LyricalLiteracy #BillSherman #PuppeteerMusic #BlueMonsterTunes #CookieLove
 
Parvati Patel Brownhttps://music.apple.com/gb/artist/parvati-patel-brown/1781528271https://open.spotify.com/artist/0tYk1RYgGD7k9MN0bd1p8u?si=kgAinxuRT3CNV9kF_5K3Zghttps://parvati.musinique.com
 
Tuzi Brownhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5DvRo9Gtg5bxsUUbKQBdg6?si=cycErkToTfKhcumPnlzt2whttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/tuzi-brown/1838852692https://tuzi.musinique.com
 

Spud Stories: The Cultural Legacy of Mr. Potato Head
 
The Lyrical Literacy podcast explores the fascinating evolution of one of America's most beloved toys - Mr. Potato Head. From its humble beginnings as George Lerner's innovative concept to its status as a cultural icon, this episode traces how a simple plastic toy revolutionized play and adapted to changing times. The lyrical journey chronicles Mr. Potato Head's transformation from actual potatoes with plastic parts to an all-plastic toy, the expansion into a full "spud family," and the character's social advocacy roles in anti-smoking campaigns and fitness promotion.
Origin
Mr. Potato Head was invented by George Lerner in 1949 and first manufactured and distributed by Hasbro in 1952, making it one of the first toys ever advertised on television. Originally, the toy consisted of plastic facial features and accessories that children would stick into real potatoes or other vegetables. In 1964, Hasbro began including a plastic potato body with the toy set, responding to new safety regulations and parental concerns about rotting vegetables.
Episode Highlights
The invention story of George Lerner and how his idea transformed children's play
The evolution from actual vegetable canvas to plastic potato figure
The expansion into the Potato Head family with Mrs. Potato Head and others
Cultural adaptations including anti-smoking campaigns and fitness advocacy
Recent brand evolution reflecting changing social awareness
Mr. Potato Head
In a world where playing with food is bad,George Lerner's idea was quite the fad.Plastic faces,little pins,Turn a spud into grins.
Oh,Mr. Potato Head,what a tale you tell,From a simple spud you rose and swelled.Faces,hats,and bits galore,Changing looks since '54.
First a prize in cereal packs,Soon he found a home with stacksOf children laughing,eager eyes,Potatoes turned to big surprise.
With Mrs. Potato and kids in tow,Spud and Yam,all aglow,They sold in millions,oh so grand,A starchy family,hand in hand.
Oh,Mr. Potato Head,what a tale you tell,From a simple spud you rose and swelled.Faces,hats,and bits galore,Changing looks since '54.
But changes came as years went past,Sharp pieces gone,plastic at last.No longer just for lads and misses,Mr. Potato Head sends anti-smoking kisses.
A couch potato no more,he stands,Promoting fitness across the lands.And in a move to be fair and right,The brand’s name changed to just “Potato Head” one night.
Oh,Mr. Potato Head,what a tale you tell,From a simple spud you rose and swelled.Faces,hats,and bits galore,Changing looks since '54.
So here's to the toy that grew and changed,With each new decade,he rearranged.A spud,a face,a family dear,Mr. Potato Head,we cheer.
Oh,Mr. Potato Head,what a tale you tell,From a simple spud you rose and swelled.Faces,hats,and bits galore,Changing looks since '54.
 
Discover more episodes at the Lyrical Literacy podcast: https://podcast.humanitarians.ai/
#MrPotatoHead #ClassicToys #ToyHistory #Hasbro #PopCultureIcons #ChildhoodNostalgia #LyricalLiteracy #ToyEvolution
 

Woolly Tales: The Three Sheep Variations
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a playful adaptation of the classic "Baa Baa Black Sheep" nursery rhyme, reimagined with three different sheep - grey, brown, and bare. Each sheep offers a unique twist on the traditional wool distribution, with the grey sheep providing for kittens and cats, the brown sheep sharing with a family, and the bare sheep having no wool at all to give. This creative variation offers a perfect opportunity for children to explore expectations, sharing, and the concept of having versus not having.
Origin
"Baa Baa Black Sheep" is a traditional English nursery rhyme dating back to at least 1731. This enduring children's rhyme follows a simple question-and-answer format and has been adapted countless times throughout the centuries. The original version features a black sheep distributing three bags of wool to the master, the dame, and the little boy who lives down the lane.
 
Baa baa grey sheepHave you any woolYes sir yes sirThree bags full
One for the kittenOne for the catsAnd one for the ownerTo knit some woolly hats
Baa baa brown sheepHave you any woolYes sir yes sirThree bags full
One for the mammyOne for the daddyAnd one for the little babyWho lives down the lane
Baa baa bare sheepHave you any woolNo sir no sirNo bags full
None for the masterNone for the dameAnd none for the little boyWho lives down the lane
 
Parvati Patel Brownhttps://music.apple.com/gb/artist/parvati-patel-brown/1781528271https://open.spotify.com/artist/0tYk1RYgGD7k9MN0bd1p8u?si=kgAinxuRT3CNV9kF_5K3Zghttps://parvati.musinique.com
 
 
#LyricalLiteracy #NurseryRhymes #BaaBaaBlackSheep #ChildrensPoetry #CreativeTwist #EarlyLearning #WoollyTales #ClassicRhymes #FamilyListening #SheepSongs

The Journey Through Oz" - A Poetic Retelling of Dorothy's Adventure | Part I
the cyclonea sky torn open—twisting high—dorothy lifted, house spun, goodbyeA twister spun Dorothy high, no warning, no sign,Landed her in Oz, where the skies didn’t align.
the council with the munchkinstiny feet in a land unknownthey called her queen, yet kansas called homeTiny voices, bright and clear, hailed her queen,But Dorothy’s heart was set on Kansas, unseen.
how dorothy saved the scarecrowstraw man limp, eyes full of plea,dorothy’s hand gave him thoughts, set him freeA man of straw hung limp on a pole,She gave him life, a mind, made him whole.
the road through the forestdarkness thick (no sun, no sound)they walked where no light could be foundThrough trees so thick, where shadows play,They walked, unsure of light or day.
the rescue of the tin woodmanrusted still, a heartless frame,with oil, dorothy whispered his nameA heartless man rusted stiff in the wood,Dorothy's oil can brought him back, as it should.
the cowardly lionhe roared so loud, but inside hida heart that fear itself had bidRoars loud, but a heart that’s torn,Bravery, he learns, can be reborn.the journey to the great ozemerald light so far ahead,they walked with dreams in every treadEyes set on the Emerald City bright,Hoping for answers, they push through the night.
the deadly poppy fieldsleep, sleep, the flowers sing,but courage woke, and so they clingSleepy blooms, red as fire, took their toll,But they pushed through, hearts made whole.
the queen of the field micesmall hands moved mountains unseen,mice carried hope through fields so greenSmall but mighty, the mice came through,Helping them cross when they knew not what to do.
the guardian of the gategreen-tinted eyes saw wonder’s glow,but truth behind was hidden lowGreen spectacles to see the glow,But is Oz the great, or just for show?
the wonderful city of ozstreets of emerald, towers high,yet behind the shine, there lay a lieEmerald streets, shining so wide,Yet secrets beneath the glitter hide.
the search for the wicked witchfearsome flight through skies of dread,but evil shrinks where love is ledThey searched for evil, through fear and fright,Facing the dark with courage in sight.
 
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a lyrical journey through L. Frank Baum's beloved tale "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Through evocative couplets, this episode captures the essence of Dorothy's adventure, from the cyclone that whisks her away to her encounters with the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion. Each verse paints a vivid picture of this timeless story, highlighting moments of courage, friendship, and the universal desire to find one's way home.
Origin
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" was written by L. Frank Baum and first published in 1900. It has since become one of America's most enduring fairy tales, spawning numerous adaptations including the iconic 1939 film. Baum's original story was intended as a modernized fairy tale that embraced American values rather than the sometimes frightening morality lessons of European fairy tales. The book is now in the public domain, allowing for creative reinterpretations like this poetic rendition.
Episode Highlights
Poetic couplets capturing pivotal moments in Dorothy's journey
Exploration of the main characters' quests for wisdom, heart, and courage
The contrast between the glittering Emerald City and the hidden truths it conceals
Themes of home, belonging, and inner strength throughout the narrative
The power of unlikely friendships in overcoming obstacles
Discover more episodes at the Lyrical Literacy podcast: https://podcast.humanitarians.ai/
#WizardOfOz #DorothyGale #YellowBrickRoad #LyricalLiteracy #ClassicTales #LiteraryPoetry #EmeraldCity #FrankBaum
 
Nik Bear Brownhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/0hSpFCJodAYMP2cWK72zI6?si=9Fx2UusBQHi3tTyVEAoCDQhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/nik-bear-brown/1779725275https://nikbear.musinique.com
 

Magic Art of the Great Humbug |  Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a poignant musical exploration of the pivotal moment in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" when Dorothy and her companions discover the true identity of the great and powerful Oz. This contemplative song captures their journey through the Emerald City, their confrontation with the man behind the curtain, and their reckoning with broken promises and dashed hopes as they realize the wizard is merely "a humbug" – an ordinary man using illusions to appear magnificent.
Based on L. Frank Baum's classic 1900 novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," this scene represents one of literature's most famous revelations about the gap between appearance and reality. The original story, now in the public domain, has become a cultural touchstone for exposing frauds and questioning authority figures who hide behind spectacle.
Explore more musical adaptations of classic stories at the Lyrical Literacy podcast https://podcast.humanitarians.ai/
 
Magic Art of the Great Humbug
We walk through green and goldEmerald walls where secrets holdA hum of wonder whispers nearTales unfold as we appear
For what was promised, we dare and seeBut shadows thin as air can beAnd does the mighty Oz even careWe came for what was promised, just and fair
With hopes and dreams, we dare—oh, we dareBut all we see are shadows, thin as air
We faced the wicked darkMelted her shadow, left our markNow we’re back to claim the sparkThe things we missed that leave us stark
Promises made, fair and clearShine bright then vanish hereIn this place of smoke and airDoes Oz even care
Silence holds us in that roomWaiting on the Wizard’s tuneHis voice echoes from the gloomHollow words that curl and bloom
Then he appears, no more than a manNot great, nor terrible, just a shamWe see through him, see his scamBut here we stand, as we began
Scarecrow says, I need a brainLion sighs, Help me shake the strainTin Man seeks a heart againDorothy dreams of Kansas plains
We came for what was promised, just and fairWith hopes and dreams, we dare—oh, we dareBut all we see are shadows, thin as air
The humbug laughs, he plays his partFake courage, brains, a mimic heartWe stand, we know, we’re worlds apartBut still, we hope for a brand-new start
We came for what was promised, just and fairWith hopes and dreams, we dare—oh, we dareBut all we see are shadows, thin as airDoes the mighty Oz even care
Nik Bear Brownhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/0hSpFCJodAYMP2cWK72zI6?si=9Fx2UusBQHi3tTyVEAoCDQhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/nik-bear-brown/1779725275https://nikbear.musinique.com