Query: Country Bears Tunes

[waltdisny]

Spinning off from the Rehab-poll thread, what songs would you like to see in an updated Country Bears?

IMHO, the problem with the Bears is that the songs are at least a generation removed from today's families. The songs should be familiar enough that almost everyone is familiar with them. What toe-tappers do you think would fit well with the Bears?

And, no, Trixi singing "Ooops, I did it again" is not acceptable, they are supposed to be Country Bears.

 

[General Grizz]

To be honest, I don't know how many people from 1971 recognized the original songs unless they had the Jean Shepard or Wanda Jackson vinyls. For example, nowadays, and perhaps back then, the songs of Homer and Jethro (ala "Fractured Folk Song") were reinvented with Country Bear Jamboree. (I only know about these artists from research, to be honest).

What CBJ has to offer is a look into the Americana past. The songs, while some from the 60s, are in a style that evoke the time and taste of Grizzly Hall. Notice the stages, the backdrops, and the vaudeville-style songs. This stuff roots from a century past (see: The Nifty 90s cartoon shorts). Audiences still get a kick out of it: "Mama, Don't Whup Lil Buford" and "Blood on the Saddle," especially. In this sense, the attraction is even somewhat educational, but still alive.

The Vacation Hoedown offers perhaps a more familiar taste of country songs - i.e. Rockytop or Singin' in the Rain - but the Walt Disney World guests demanded a change back to the original in 1992!

I certainly understand that songs should be familiar, and that is a good point. But honestly, I don't want Shania Twain or Willie Nelson ruinin' the likes of Teddi Barra and Henry. Ideally, if songs were changed, they should fit in with the Frontierland theme. And after Turner's Thesis, well, the lands of the frontier are those of the past. Thus, I doubt modern songs would fit well. After all, the touch of modern music into the Enchanted Tiki Room and Food Rocks may have pleased fans who weren't into the original music Tropical Serenade or Kitchen Kabaret had to offer, but overall, no great attendance improvement occured, and nor did the reinvention of a classic. Rather, timeless songs that have proven the test of time are overall better.

Personally, I don't want to see the original show touched. The reason being - it's so good and so original. The Disney masters - Marc Davis, X. Atencio, Al Bertino, and more - had the know-how in that classic age of Imagineering.

What I would prefer, however, if more recognizable songs were to be brought up would be a NEW show with the same characters, etc. In fact, I would use the VACATION HOEDOWN idea and touch on more recognizable tunes. But definitely keep the bear's personalities. . . after all, they are original and should take those songs from the (non-pop) mainstream and fit them into the authenticity of Frontierland.

See: Diamond Horseshoe revue vs. Goofy's Dancing Jamboree

Personally, I can't stand country music, nor do I listen to modern-day "Westerns," so I cannot offer any suggestions. What seems to me is that these tall-tale, Vaudeville, Western songs may actually be a thing of the past, but again, I am not one to say.

 

[disneymoc]

Once again the wisdom of the great general has been shared with us all.

 

[waltdisny]

"Personally, I don't want to see the original show touched. The reason being - it's so good and so original. The Disney masters - Marc Davis, X. Atencio, Al Bertino, and more - had the know-how in that classic age of Imagineering.

What I would prefer, however, if more recognizable songs were to be brought up would be a NEW show with the same characters, etc. In fact, I would use the VACATION HOEDOWN idea and touch on more recognizable tunes. But definitely keep the bear's personalities. . . after all, they are original and should take those songs from the (non-pop) mainstream and fit them into the authenticity of Frontierland. "

Exactly how I feel. I think that more recognizable tunes would ensure that new generations keep coming. Granted the Spears joke was a bit too far...

The songs for the Vacation Hoe-Down worked well, I thought some of the humor was a bit out of character, but certainly something in the right right direction.

It seems to me that some '60's folk-songs, and a few other instantly recognizable tunes would fit the bill nicely. It wouldn't be out of character to have Henry leading off "This land is your land," or to have Liverlips sing the Johnny Cash tune, "I've been everywhere." The fact is I can't think of many songs from the past 20 years that people would want to sing around the 'camp-fire'. Hence the query for the group.

 

[mrtoad]

Personally I would not want them to change it at all. I think it is a classic that should stay as it is. But then again, I am one to wish that attractions such as Mr.Toad, If You Had Wings, Mickey Mouse Revue should not have been replaced. I love the old attractions and wish they could stay as is.

All that being said I would guess attendence will rule what becomes of many attractions. We only go in the off season now but as a kid we went in the Summer usually so it is hard for me to gauge when attendence is down. But I do know even in the off season CBJ does not have the attendence of say Splash Mountain or BTMR in the same land.

Even though, I still think CBJ is one of the best family attractions in the park. It is one that all ages can enjoy together. Some of the Fantasyland attractions that are great for little kids might not please an adult who did not experience them as a child. Where CBJ is funny to adults and children.

This is all just my oppinion of course.

 

[aimster]

I think the show is perfect how it is. I'd probably get up and walk out if I heard the bears start singing Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks or Dixie Chicks.

 

[Woody13]

Cool Bear Cares! Yo, Yo Man!

When you're walking down the street,
you might be lucky to see
the most lovable bear from Trinity.
If you ask me who he is, I think I'd have to say
he's the coolest bear in the USA.
He's got a cool shirt and really cool shades,
he's got tennis shoes custom-made.
He's a caring dude,
he loves to hug and squeeze,
he brings happiness and joy
to everyone he sees.

Chorus:

Yo, Yo Man! Cool Bear cares,
he loves the young and old.
And when there's someone in need,
you know he'll do a good deed,
because his heart is made of gold.

Verse 2:

He's a very special bear to you and me,
He's the ambassador of Trinity.
If you listen real close
you'll learn a thing or two
about certain things that you should do.
If a stranger says, "Do you want a ride today?"
Cool Bear says, say "No!" and walk away.
If someone else should happen
to walk your way, and he's selling drugs
on any given day, Cool Bear says,
say "No!" to that particular man,
and run away from him as fast as you can.
Because drugs kill, they're really bad for you,
Cool Bear knows that this is true,
And sometimes strangers will tell you lies,
But Cool Bear's your friend,
and much more wise.

 

[WDWEric]

have to agree with the General on this, Keep the original fortmat!

 

[Kwit35]

have to agree with the General on this, Keep the original fortmat!

Ditto! My daughter is 4 and knows every song by heart. They are not unfamiliar to her. If we wanted to hear modern songs, we would turn on the radio.
Yet another classic that people want to change. *sigh*

 

[General Grizz]

While these songs are not too mainstream, the SUMMER MAGIC tunes are wonderful and could fit well.

"Summer Magic"

Summer magic, the soft summer magic
Drifts across the meadows
Summer magic, it weaves through the willows
Right into your heart
The song the river sings,
The joy the sunset brings
Warm rain on blossoming,
Growing things


Hearts grow dearer and heaven seems nearer
Winter dreams come true
Oh what magic, what wonderful magic,
Summer time can do

and

"On the Front Porch"

On the Front Porch

Written by: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Performed by: Burl Ives

Three creaky wooden stairs
Those squeaky rocking chairs
The well worn welcome mat
The lattice vines
The happy times

All I want to do
When the day is through
Is linger here on the front porch
With you
From the wicker swing
While the night birds sing
We'll watch the fireflies sparkin'
Do some sparkin' too
How the hours fly
As the moon drifts by --
How sweet the air
As we stare
At the sight
Oh! How I love to linger here like this
Hold your hand, and steal a kiss
Or two
On the front porch with you

Those would be ideal nostalgic HITS for a Vacation show. Anyone agree? Too bad the film isn't shown all that much these days.

Another great song is "Y'all Come" - but again, this is not a recognizable tune for kids (if this is indeed the target age). If any of you have seen the classic Lucy episode with Cousin Ernie . . .

 

[TiggerBW]

I LOVE CBJ the way it is! I liked the Vacation hoedown too and the Christmas show! Nothing should be touched.
Big Al and Blood on the Saddle are my FAVORITES! (fav. character bear and song.)



ps-If you didn't notice, I don't like change!

 

[Woody13]

Teddy Bears"

If you go out in the woods today [size=-1]
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Picnic time for teddy bears,
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today.
Watch them, catch them unawares,
And see them picnic on their holiday.
See them gaily dance about.
They love to play and shout.
And never have any cares.
At six o'clock their mommies and daddies
Will take them home to bed
Because they're tired little teddy bears. If you go out in the woods today,
You'd better not go alone.
It's lovely out in the woods today,
But safer to stay at home.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic
Every teddy bear, that's been good
Is sure of a treat today
There's lots of wonderful things to eat
And wonderful games to play

Beneath the trees, where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

[/size]

 

[Woody13]

Teddy Bears' Picnic

If you go out in the woods today [size=-1]
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Picnic time for teddy bears,
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today.
Watch them, catch them unawares,
And see them picnic on their holiday.
See them gaily dance about.
They love to play and shout.
And never have any cares.
At six o'clock their mommies and daddies
Will take them home to bed
Because they're tired little teddy bears.

If you go out in the woods today,
You'd better not go alone.
It's lovely out in the woods today,
But safer to stay at home.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

Every teddy bear, that's been good
Is sure of a treat today
There's lots of wonderful things to eat
And wonderful games to play

Beneath the trees, where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

[/size]

 

[mrtoad]

Grizz,

I have only seen the original show. I am not sure if you are talking about having a Vacation show separate or durring a certain time of the year. I personally would be upset if I only get to go once a year or less and when I got to go they were showing a different version.

Maybe I am too much into staying the same, but I would hate it if when I went it was different for some holiday season.

It would bother me as much as if when I go an attraction is closed for renovation. I know it is not as bad but it would bother me.

Mike

While these songs are not too mainstream, the SUMMER MAGIC tunes are wonderful and could fit well.

"Summer Magic"




and

"On the Front Porch"



Those would be ideal nostalgic HITS for a Vacation show. Anyone agree? Too bad the film isn't shown all that much these days.

Another great song is "Y'all Come" - but again, this is not a recognizable tune for kids (if this is indeed the target age). If any of you have seen the classic Lucy episode with Cousin Ernie . . .

 

[BrerVeritas]

It doesn't make any sense to update the songs in the show. It would ruin the atmosphere and theme of fronteirland. It would be like putting present day pop music in the main street loop instead of turn of the century pop music...or the reverse putting old music into tomorrowland. The frontierland area music is mostly old country and western folk music, so the bears should be fitting in with that theme.

When you go against the theme you come up with something like Tiki Room:Under New Management. This might have given the ride a fresh boost at first, but when I was there last August, during peak crowds, there were never any lines for that ride. CBJ on the other hand ewas not only packed when I saw it during the afternoon, but it was also crowded during E-Ride nights. That doesn't seem like a ride that needs to be freshened up to me.

 

[LoriMistress]

I don't want the songs changed at all. It just brings so much great things from my childhood that I would consider it rape (I'm a drama queen, I know.) I think it's great for people from all generation to hear "older" music. You can't touch the classics.