The theme of my K songs for the Ukulele Alphabet is Childhood Education — namely, what I have learned from singing animals.
First up, Kermit the Frog!
When I ask people what they think their Muppet Big Three are (which is a fantastic icebreaker, btw) I amend the question with one rule.
They can choose any Muppets from any “world” of Muppetdom — The Muppet Show and related spin-offs, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, etc. — except for Kermit.
Because Kermit is pretty much everyone’s favorite Muppet! It’s too easy!
I would still love to know your Muppet Big Three, btw. And if you don’t know what I’m talking about, read here:
Who is your Muppet Big Three?
Y’all, I had a whole productive morning planned, and then Tara Giancaspro had to go and blow my mind with one of the most crucial, life-affirming questions of our time:
He’s the ultimate relatable Muppet, a frog with optimism, neuroses, curiosity, a touch of people-pleasing tendencies, and an abiding love for his friends. He gets frustrated, he wants things to be good and right, even when the world seems to be collapsing around him. And he knows that music will always make you feel a little bit better.
(Big Bird, of course, is a strong corollary, but that’s for another day.)
So for “Rainbow Connection,” I wanted to do right by Kermit and went and found myself a swamp to sing in. Well, it’s the reservoir where we always go paddleboarding, but close enough.
And I was hissed at by the Canada geese who did not appreciate me encroaching on their waterspace — very Statler and Waldorf of them to boo my performance!
Also, if you have not yet watched Jim Henson: Idea Man on Disney+, hi-ho yourself over there and do so. The entire documentary is heartwarming and illuminating and silly in the signature Muppets manner. You will cry.
Listen to the original version of “Rainbow Connection”:
Read more about The Ukulele Alphabet project:
Introducing The Ukulele Alphabet
There are 52 weeks in the year and 26 letters in the alphabet. 26 times 2 equals 52.
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