The Teddy Bears' Picnic
Henry Hall and the BBC Orchestra Lyrics
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If you go down in the woods today, you'd better go in disguise
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain 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 marvelous things to eat and wonderful games to play
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
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
And see them 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 back home to bed
'Cause 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 safer 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
The song "The Teddy Bear's Picnic" by Henry Hall is a joyful and whimsical tune that speaks to the innocence and imagination of childhood. The lyrics depict a secret gathering of teddy bears in the woods and invite the listener to join in on the fun. However, there is also an underlying sense of caution and even danger, as going alone and without disguise could mean trouble with the bears.
The opening lines "If you go down in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise" set the stage for a magical adventure. The teddy bears in the song symbolize the imagination and innocence of youth, and the idea of them having a picnic on their own is a nod to children feeling the urge to establish their own independence. The lyrics also suggest that the bears have their own hidden world that adults are not privy to, as they only appear when humans are not around.
Line by Line Meaning
If you go down in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise
If you venture into the woods today, you'll be in for a big surprise
If you go down in the woods today, you'd better go in disguise
It's better to wear a disguise when you go into the woods today
For every bear that ever there was
Every bear that exists
Will gather there for certain because
Will definitely meet there
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic
Today is the day the teddy bears will have a picnic
Every teddy bear who's been good is sure of a treat today
Well-behaved teddy bears will be rewarded today
There's lots of marvelous things to eat and wonderful games to play
There will be plenty of delicious food and fun games to enjoy
Beneath the trees where nobody sees
Under the trees where no one can see
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
They'll play hide-and-seek for as long as they want
That's the way the teddy bears have their picnic
That's how teddy bears enjoy their picnic
Picnic time for teddy bears
It's time for teddy bears to have a picnic
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today
The small teddy bears are enjoying themselves today
Watch them, catch them unawares
Watch and surprise them unexpectedly
And see them picnic on their holiday
And observe them picnicking on their day off
See them gaily gad about
Watch them joyfully wander around
They love to play and shout
They love to play and make noise
They never have any cares
They never have any worries
At six o'clock their mummies and daddies
Their mothers and fathers
Will take them back home to bed
Will take them back home to sleep
'Cause they're tired little teddy bears
Because they are exhausted little teddy bears
If you go down in the woods today, you'd better not go alone
It's best not to go into the woods alone today
It's lovely down in the woods today, but safer to stay at home
Although the woods are beautiful today, it's safer to stay home
For every bear that ever there was
Every bear that exists
Will gather there for certain because
Will definitely meet there
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic
Today is the day the teddy bears will have a picnic
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jimmy Kennedy, John W. Bratton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind