Gabby's Musical Ear

Every evening at bedtime, we get Gabby and Ellie ready for bed, then read two books, talk about their day, sing two songs, and tuck them in. We have a repertoire of regular lullaby-type songs to choose from, as well as some random favorites, but Gabby's most frequent request is, "I want a new song," to which I usually reply, "I don't have any more new songs." Occasionally I come up with something we haven't sung in a while or even something I've never sung to her (often from the deep dark recesses of my musical mind...songs from Girl Scout campfires, junior high chorus or high school drama club, maybe a Beatles tune, etc).

Tonight I offered up Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World." First Gabby corrected me on the order of the verses. I still think I was right, but went along with her on that one. Then I got to the verse that says: "I see skies of blue, and clouds of white, the bright blessed day, the dark sacred night." Gabby grumpily stopped me and said, "that isn't right mama...it's ...'The Dogs Say Goodnight!'" It took me a second to figure out that "the dark sacred night" sounds like "the dogs say goodnight." Even contextually, it's not a bad fit. After arguing with my 4 1/2 year old about it for a minute, I gave in and sang it her way (it was already well past bedtime). The best part is that when I told Joe, he actually took Gabby's side. He busted out the iPod, and sure enough, it does sound a bit like Gabby's version!

It also reminded us of a few other Gabby music-isms.

1. A couple weeks ago Gabby told us they danced to a new song in her dance class. She said someone asked who was singing it and the teacher said she didn't know. Gabby told us that she let everyone know that it was Louis Armstrong.

2. Today there was a Tom Waits song on the radio. Gabby asked if it was Louis Armstrong. Close...just another guy with a deep gravelly voice.

3. And just so you know that Gabby listens to current music as well, the other day she heard "You Belong with Me" on the radio. She told us that it was the same girl who sings the "Romeo and Juliet" song. (aka "Love Story" by Taylor Swift).

4. She can also recognize the voices of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Keb Mo', and Bob Marley!

Nice job Gabs! Now let's expand those musical horizons!