Frogs and Music: A Hopping Journey Through Song Lyrics
The hopping, singing amphibian, the frog, has been a recurring motif in various songs. From folk music to modern bands, frogs have been a source of inspiration for lyricists. Let's explore some memorable songs where the word 'frog' or variations thereof appear in the lyrics.
Three Dog Night's 'Joy to the World'
In the context of popular music, the frog makes an interesting appearance in the guise of 'Jeremiah,' initially described as a bullfrog in the song 'Joy to the World.' This quirky and whimsical reference introduces a touch of peculiar humor to the well-known holiday classic. The verse goes:
Jeremiah was a bulldog... was a good friend of mine...
Never understood a single word he said but I helped him drink his wine...
Happy New Year, Happy New Year, three dog night.
This unique addition to a traditional song adds a layer of character and intrigue to the narrative, making 'Joy to the World' one of the more memorable versions of the track.
Frankie Laine's 'I Ain't Got No Home'
In a grittier, more poignant vein, 'I Ain't Got No Home' by Clarence 'Frogman' Henry, a folk song recorded in 1963, takes on a different thread of meaning. The 'frog' here is a personable character, perhaps depicting a homeless man or a wanderer:
I ain't got no homeor I'm a poor boy and I can't get back to it.
I work at a far away place
I can hear the bull frog callin men
Wonder if my ropes still hangin to the tree
I love to kick my feet way down the shallow wan
Shoe fly dragon fly get back to your mother
I pick up a flat rock, skip it across Green River.
The imagery of the bullfrog and the green river gives the song a sense of longing and nostalgia, tying together themes of homelessness and a yearning to return home.
Creedence Clearwater Revival - 'Green River'
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 'Green River' paints a vivid picture of a river and nature coming into play:
I can hear the bull frog callin men
Wonder if my ropes still hangin to the tree
I love to kick my feet way down the shallow wan
Shoe fly dragon fly get back to your mothern
I pick up a flat rock, skip it across Green River.
The lyrical imagery here is a nostalgic and melodious depiction of natural surroundings intertwined with the human experience, creating a sense of familiarity and tranquility.
The Frog as Symbol in Music
The use of the frog in music often symbolizes different emotions and themes. In the hands of folk and rock bands, frogs are used to explore themes of human nature, home, and the environment. In 'I'm in Love with a Big Blue Frog' by Peter Paul and Mary, the frog is painted as an object of desire:
I am, I said
Did you ever read about a frogn
Who dreamed of bein a kingn
And then became onen
Well except for the namesn
And a few other changesn
If you talk about men
The story is the same one
This playful and imaginative song transforms the frog into a symbol of dreams and aspirations, blending mythology with everyday experiences.
Similarly, in the song 'The Frog In The Window' from the acid folk group Pearls Before Swine, the frog transcends its amphibious form to represent a mysterious and wise figure:
The frog in the window will sing for youn
The frog in the window will smile for youn
With his straw hat and his cann
And you know that you will not be samen
Because the frog in the window will dance for youn
Hell tap out the rhythm in bright red shoesn
And if you ask why this is done hell say
The frog in this context is depicted as a trickster and a guide, providing wisdom and entertainment, much like the playful and enigmatic characters found in fable and folklore.
Conclusion
The frog, with its lighthearted and symbolic qualities, provides songwriters with a rich tapestry of themes to explore. Whether in Eclectro-acoustic folk or classic rock, the frog is a timeless figure that captures the imagination and adds a delightful twist to the narrative. These songs demonstrate the versatility of the frog as a motif in music, engaging listeners and creating memorable and meaningful lyrics.