He has written songs for Sesame Street and The Weekly Reader, has starred in an Emmy Award-winning television show for children and has been featured regularly on The Learning Channel.
Polisar works with literacy groups, media specialists, reading teachers and Title I programs in the schools and has won a Special Library Recognition Award for his "ability to communicate with and excite children to read."
Polisar's song "All I Want Is You" is featured, re-recorded and with a guitar/harmonica combo, on the soundtrack for the 2007 Motion Picture "JUNO".
The Warning
Barry Louis Polisar Lyrics
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Hillaire and even Uncle Shel,
Cautioned, warned and sometimes bantered,
And to children, tried to tell
Of the many mortal dangers
In talking to unusual strangers.
And I, like them, a poet who
Feels obliged to warn you, too
With these words of admonition:
If you meet a Three-Slinged-Flotchet,
If I were you, I'd watch it
The lyrics above are from Barry Louis Polisar's song 'The Warning' which talks about the importance of being cautious when encountering strangers, especially the unusual ones. The song starts by mentioning three people - Ogden, Hillaire and Uncle Shel, who have warned against the panther and cautioned children about the mortal dangers of talking to strangers. The lyrics go on to say that as a poet, Polisar feels obliged to warn his listeners as well. He uses the example of a Three-Slinged-Flotchet, suggesting that if one were to come across it, they should be watchful.
The message of the song is clear - we should always be cautious and aware of the various risks associated with interacting with strangers. It highlights the importance of teaching children early on about the perils of talking to people they don't know. The Three-Slinged-Flotchet serves as a metaphor to represent any unknown person, and encourages listeners to be alert and take necessary precautions.
Line by Line Meaning
Ogden warned against the panther,
Ogden gave a warning about the panther.
Hillaire and even Uncle Shel,
Hillaire and Uncle Shel also provided their warnings.
Cautioned, warned and sometimes bantered,
They gave their warnings in different ways, sometimes even joking.
And to children, tried to tell
They specifically tried to warn children.
Of the many mortal dangers
They wanted to make sure the children knew about the serious dangers.
In talking to unusual strangers.
One of those dangers was talking to strangers who were different.
And I, like them, a poet who
The singer, like those before him, is a poet.
In that grand and fine traditon
He is part of a proud and respected tradition.
Feels obliged to warn you, too
He also feels a duty to warn people.
With these words of admonition:
He will give his warning through this song.
If you meet a Three-Slinged-Flotchet,
If you come across a Three-Slinged-Flotchet,
If I were you, I'd watch it
He suggests you should be cautious and careful around it.
Contributed by Taylor S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.