By Dr. Seuss
Original lyrics by Peter Menta © 2002
I
always remembered the original Loony Tunes version of the book with a theme
song for Horton that contained a catchy melody that I enjoyed as a child. When
I was invited to participate in a Dr. Seuss birthday party for students and
community leaders, the library media specialist asked me if I could create some
original songs to my favorite Dr.Seuss story. I asked her to obtain a copy of
the cartoon and I discovered that there were no words to Horton’s theme song. I
ended up writing two songs. These songs feature a lot of repetition and are
told in a “call and response” fashion. The students in a sense take the role of
a Greek Chorus: commenting on the story. This story time activity is perfect
for second grade and the parents seemed to love singing the songs as well!
Song 1: Horton’s Theme Song:
I am Horton the elephant
When I walk the jungle rumbles
I am Horton the elephant
And my feet go thump, thump, thump!
I am the bird they call Ms. Mayzie
I’m just tired, I’m not lazy
I am the bird they call Ms. Mayzie
I just need a helping hand
She’s the bird they call Ms. Mayzie
She’s not tired, she’s just lazy
She’s the bird they call Ms. Mayzie
And she’s got a sneaky plan
Song 2: 100%
Lyrics based on text, new
lyrics by Peter Menta
I say what I do
I do what I say
I hold my head high every day
I meant what I said
I said what I meant
An elephant is faithful 100%
Through hot or cold
Through thick or thin
Doesn’t make a difference
What shape I’m in
I meant what I said
I said what I meant
An elephant is faithful 100%