The Teddy Bear's Picnic

THE TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC.

The music was originally composed by J.W. Bratton and published by Albert A. Williams in 1907 under the title, “The Teddy Bear March and Two-Step”.

In 1930, American lyricist, Jimmy Kennedy added words and since then the song has become known worldwide as “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic”. Here are the lyrics to this popular song:

If you go down in the woods today
you’re sure of a big surprise.
If you go down in the woods today
you’d better go in disguise!

For every bear that ever there was
will gather there together because
today’s the day the teddy bears
have their picnic!

Every teddy bear who’s been good
is sure of a treat today.
There’s lots of marvellous things to eat
and wonderful games to play!

Beneath the trees where nobody sees
they’ll ‘hide and seek’
as long as they please,
for that’s the way the teddy bears
have their picnic.

Picnic time for teddy bears.
The little teddy bears are having
a lovely time today.
Watch them, catch them unawares,
they love to picnic on their holiday.
See them gaily gad-about,
they love to play and shout,
they never have any cares.
At six-o’clock their mummies and daddies
will take them home to bed,
because they’re tired little teddy bears.

If you go down in the woods today,
you’d better not go alone!
It’s lovely down in the woods today
but better to stay at home!

For every bear that ever there was
will gather there for certain because
today’s the day the teddy bears
have their picnic!

Before leaving this particular topic, I remember a sequence dance many years ago (1938/39!) set to this music. It was at Butlins Holiday Camp in Clacton. They called it "The Butlin Ballet" (Surprise, surprise!) and was performed by sets of three dancers - Gentleman in the middle, flanked by two ladies.

I have myself subsequently presented this dance during my days as a Butlin Redcoat and Pontin Bluecoat, etc.. Does anyone else remember the dance?

It occurs to me that it may be the original "Teddy Bear March and Two-step" referred to above! Any thoughts? back