Fooba Wooba John
Burl Ives · Little White Duck [1995]
Saw a snail chase a whale, Fooba Wooba, Fooba Wooba,
Saw a snail chase a whale, Fooba Wooba John.
Saw a snail chase a whale, all around the water pail.
Hey, John, ho, John, Fooba Wooba John.
Saw a frog chase a dog, Fooba Wooba, Fooba Wooba,
Saw a frog chase a dog, Fooba Wooba John.
Saw a frog chase a dog, sitting on a hollow log.
Hey, John, ho, John, Fooba Wooba John.
Saw a flea kick a tree, Fooba Wooba, Fooba Wooba,
Saw a flea kick a tree, Fooba Wooba John.
Saw a flea kick a tree, in the middle of the sea.
Hey, John, ho, John, Fooba Wooba John.
Heard a cow say me-ow, Fooba Wooba, Fooba Wooba,
Heard a cow say me-ow, Fooba Wooba John.
Heard a cow say me-ow, then I heard it say bow-wow.
Hey, John, ho, John, Fooba Wooba John.
Fooba Wooba John
Fooba Wooba John is a playful children's song performed by Burl Ives, a figure renowned for his deep, resonant voice and mastery of folk and children's music. This recording appears on the 1995 compilation Little White Duck, which gathers Ives' work for younger audiences. Known for his ability to bring whimsical characters to life, Ives often utilized exaggerated sounds and rhythmic phrasing to engage listeners. The track exemplifies his approach to children's entertainment, blending simple melodies with humorous vocal delivery. Throughout his extensive career, Ives recorded hundreds of songs that became staples in schools and homes, cementing his legacy as a beloved storyteller. His discography spans traditional folk ballads, Christmas standards, and original compositions, all delivered with a warmth that defined his public persona. This song remains a charming example of his contribution to the genre of children's music.