The Lyrics To The Ice Cream Truck Song
Everyone has heard the familiar tune of the ice cream truck driving through their neighborhood, and suddenly you're craving a cold treat on a hot summer day. But have you ever stopped to listen to the lyrics of the ice cream truck song? Here, we'll break down the lyrics and the history of this iconic tune.
The History of the Ice Cream Truck Song
The ice cream truck song, also known as "Turkey in the Straw," has a long and complicated history. The tune itself is actually an old American folk song that dates back to the early 19th century. It was first published in 1834 and was a popular song for dancing and social gatherings.
Fast forward to the early 20th century, and the tune was being used as a jingle for ice cream trucks. In the 1950s, the first electronic music boxes were installed in ice cream trucks, allowing the drivers to play the tune without having to physically crank a handle. And the rest, as they say, is history.
The Lyrics to the Ice Cream Truck Song
Now, let's take a look at the lyrics to the ice cream truck song:
Verse 1:
Do your ears hang low?
Do they wobble to and fro?
Can you tie them in a knot?
Can you tie them in a bow?
Can you throw them over your shoulder?
Like a Continental soldier?
Do your ears hang low?
Chorus:
For the full chorus, the ice cream truck driver typically only plays the first few notes of "The Entertainer" before transitioning to the next verse.
Verse 2:
Does your chewing gum lose its flavor,
On the bedpost overnight?
If your mother says don't chew it,
Do you swallow it in spite?
Can you catch it on your tonsils?
Can you heave it left and right?
Can you toss it o'er your shoulder?
Like a Continental soldier?
Do your ears hang low?
Verse 3:
Do you like ice cream cones?
How 'bout sundaes that are so fine?
Or a big banana split?
Makes your eyes light up and shine!
Don't you love the hot fudge and nuts,
A whipped cream delight?
Say, young fella, does your mother know
You're out tonight?
Conclusion
So there you have it, the lyrics to the ice cream truck song. While the tune has a long and complicated history, it's safe to say that most of us associate it with the joy of childhood and the anticipation of a cold treat on a hot day.