Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear
Randy Newman
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
I may go out tomorrow if I can borrow a coat to wear Oh I'd step out in style with my sincere smile and my dancing bear Outrageous alarming courageous charming Oh who would think a boy and bear Could be well accepted everywhere It's just amazing how fair people can be Seen at the nicest places where well fed faces all stop to stare Making the grandest entrance is Simon Smith and his dancing bear They'll love us, won't they? They feed us, don't they? Oh, who would think a boy and bear Could be well accepted everywhere It's just amazing how fair people can be Who needs money when you're funny? The big attraction everywhere Will be Simon Smith and his dancing bear It's Simon Smith and the amazing dancing bear
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: RANDY NEWMAN
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"Simon Smith and The Amazing Dancing Bear" was originally written and recorded by American songwriter Randy Newman. It was featured on his 1968 album 'Randy Newman Creates Something New Under The Sun'.
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Alan Price's VersionBritish musician Alan Price recorded the most popular version of the song. It was released as a single in 1967, a year before Newman's own version appeared.
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Chart PerformanceAlan Price's version of "Simon Smith and The Amazing Dancing Bear" achieved significant commercial success. It reached number four on the UK Singles Chart.
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Bobby Short's InterpretationBobby Short, a well-known American pianist and vocalist, also performed his version of the song. Short's swing and jazz style brought a unique interpretation to the song.
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Song SubjectThe song is a whimsical and satirical number about a man, Simon Smith, and his amazing dancing bear. It explores themes of spectacle and entertainment in a subtly critical way.
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Newman's StyleThe song showcases Randy Newman's characteristic style of combining quirky, often humorous characters with surprisingly sophisticated music.
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RecognitionDue to its unique charm and catchy tune, "Simon Smith and The Amazing Dancing Bear" has been extensively covered over the years by many artists in diverse genres. It remains one of Newman's most enduringly popular songs.
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Use in Media"Simon Smith and The Amazing Dancing Bear" appeared in the film 'The Magic Box' (1994), and in the trailer for the motion picture 'Paddington' (2014).
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Notable CoversAs well as Price and Short, other artists who have covered the song include Harry Nilsson, Okkervil River, and Terry Reid.
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Personal InterpretationLike many of Newman's songs, "Simon Smith and The Amazing Dancing Bear" invites various interpretations. Some suggest it's about artistic exploitation, others see it as a simple, joyous song for children. It showcases Newman's talent for blending depth and levity in his songwriting.
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Citation
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"Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 8 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2313832/Randy+Newman/Simon+Smith+and+the+Amazing+Dancing+Bear>.
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