Saturday, March 8, 2008

Scrolling Saturday


I've had lots of questions about Maddie wanting to play in Johnny Cash's band. Why does she like him so much? Because she recognizes good music, I guess. How does she know who he is? Because we have brainwashed her. Does she really know the words? Oh yes, Ring of Fire is even her dad's ringtone. And, she sings along with it.

So, in honor of these questions, I'm reposting this post. And, as soon as I can borrow a video camera of her singing Ring of Fire, I'll put it on here. I promise.
For more Scrolling Saturdays, click here. Thanks to Melissa and Manners and Moxie for this easy way to get a post done on Saturdays. . .

She Really Is A Nashville Girl

I think Maddie's love of music began when she was around 1. She couldn't get enough of The Wiggles. She would stop whatever she was doing to watch them sing "Fruit Salad" or "Hot Potato". And it was cute. For a while. Until I began fantasizing about how Dorothy the Dinosaur and Wags the Dog would get revenge on all of the camera- hungry, tummy rubbing, salad stirring men and their friend, the pirate, and take over the show.

So, Justin and I began the campaign for good music. We would let her listen to her kiddie songs, but only after she listened to Bruce Springsteen, or The Floating Men. We tried our hardest to listen to a wide variety of musicians, while subtly teaching her the lyrics to the songs. This ranged anywhere from The Clash, to George Strait, to James Taylor, to 311, to Gnarls Barkley.

It is music (literally) to my ears when I can listen to my favorite music and hear her singing along. I really have to watch myself and not laugh, when she butchers the lyrics. One day she came into the room and sang her version of "All Mixed Up" by 311. What was once "all mixed up, don't know what to do. . ." became "all dressed up, got my purse and shoes."

Yesterday, I knew all of the brainwashing had finally paid off. It may actually be my proudest parenting moment, yet. We were in the car, and she said to me:

"Mommy, can we listen to Johnny Cash?"

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12 comments:

Unknown said...

Your girl knows a good thing when she hears it! Some guy will appreciate that some day!

Tasina said...

That's awesome. The first song my son learned all the words to was "Let It Be" and he's still a Beatles fan at 17.

Anonymous said...

Aw, how cute is that?!

Tara R. said...

Your girl has good taste in music... too fun!

via Scrolling Saturdays

Kristina said...

Excellent. Maybe she can get together with my little Elvis fan.

suchsimplepleasures said...

that's hilarious!! right now, my son, who is 4...he is addicted to the theme song from the new rambo movie...he just starts belting it out, wherever we are!! and...green day minority!! it's hysterical!

Anonymous said...

Good for you! I make my kids listen to opera, classic rock, fine art and SOMETIMES kid's music. Thankfully, there are some really great kid's artists out there (and the Wiggles are not it).

Karen MEG said...

Oh no, now I've got those darn Wiggles songs in my head LOL!

But Johnny Cash, classic. What great taste!

Cheffie-Mom said...

That is adorable! My daughter loves 311 also!!! When she was 3 she would sing away to the musical Annie and dress up in a huge big red hat I bought her at a garage sale. I just want you to know I love your blogs! I just started one called "I've Overcooked My Family", and i'm looking to blog with other mothers. Well, hope your daughter continues to sing her heart out!

Sarah said...

Lucky you that Maddie's musical tastes rock!

My now teenage kids complained if I ever played my music. My daughter was (GAAAA!) a Barney the Dinosaur fanatic. Then, when she was 5, she discovered this new band The Backstreet Boys. We listened to an awful lot of boy bands because at least they were better than Barney.

Happily, their musical tastes have evolved nearly as far as Maddie's.

barbra said...

My three-year-old son often busts out with "I fell into a burning ring of fire!" and then says, "Mommy, it's burning 'cause it's fire. Fire burns."

My oldest is 7, and I've always had a "no kids' music" policy. My kids can sing along with all of my music! Rock, Musical Theater, Folk... it keeps me sane.

BookMamma said...

LOVE THIS! Eli is a Cash fan too - the shoeshine song is his favorite. Something about that beat with Johnny's voive and the guitar is addictive.

Try Dan Zanes for kids music. He is awesome!! We also like Eliot Smith and Vampire Weekend to groove to with the boys.

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