Wishing on a star

"Stars"                               MJP - Day 12

Bedtime rituals were an important part of my childhood and I carried these traditions over when my boys were little.  We'd have dinner, bath time, books, prayers and lots of singing  Many of our favorite songs were about stars like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,"  and "When You Wish Upon a Star," and the one my mother used to sing to us, "Would You Like to Swing On a Star."  Bing Crosby recorded it back in 1944 - I just loved the song.

"Would you like to swing on a star

carry moonbeams home in a jar

and be better off than you are

Or would you rather be a mule?

A mule is an animal with long funny ears

he kicks up at anything he hears.

His back is brawny but his brain is weak

he's just plain stupid with a stubborn streak.

And by the way if you hate to go to school

you may grow up to be a mule.

Oh would you like to swing on a star

carry moonbeams home in a jar

and be better off than you are.

Or would you rather be a pig.

A pig is an animal with dirt on his face

his shoes are a terrible disgrace

He has no manners when he eats his food.

He's fat and lazy and extremely rude.

But if you don't care a feather or a fig,

you might grow up to be a pig.

Oh would you like to swing on a star,

carry moonbeams home in a jar

and be better off than you are.

Or would you rather be a fish.

A fish won't do anything but swim in a brook

he can't write his name or read a book.

To fool the people is his only thought

and though he's slippery he still gets caught.

But if that sort of life is what you wish.

You might grow up to be a fish

And all the monkeys aren't in the zoo

everyday you see quite a few.

So you see it's all up to you,

you could be swinging on a star!"

                            ~Jimmy Van Heusen

I wish there was a verse about a horse because when I was a little girl I wanted to grow up and be one!