I may be behind the times on this one, but it was only recently that I became aware of the music of Caspar Babypants. Stage name of Chris Ballew of the alternative rock group the Presidents of the United States, Caspar Babypants has an array of whimsical albums of songs for children. He’s already up to the nineteenth!
The music has a decidedly “rock” or “pop” feel (I don’t know enough to say definitively), not the folksy and simple form of truly great music for children. But in a world where grocery stores play Taylor Swift on repeat, Caspar Babypants is a hip and catchy alternative. And the lyrics are legitimately inspired.
Like the writing of Weird Al Yankovic, pleasant surprises and little gems pop up throughout Ballew’s music for children. Take, for example, a family favorite, “Eleanor the Elegant Elephant.” The song culminates with the verse:
who’s got feet that go boom boom boom?
who is the elephant in the room?
who shakes the floor when she joins the dancy?
who’s that pachyderm? She’s so fancy!
Ah, yes, “Eleanor the elegant elephant lights up the room!” This is just one of brain-tickling delights that have infused family chores with mirth. There is also “Stompy the Bear,” “Small Bird,” “My Pants are on Vacation,” “Banana Bread,” “Free Couch,” “Emotional Robot,” and “Tiny Horse.” In addition to these original compositions, Ballew sings many nursery rhymes and traditional folk songs for children with inventive variations.
A lead for the Presidents of the United States in the 1990s, Ballew was in the adult music scene. After meeting his wife, collage artist Kate Endle, Ballew was inspired to create music for children that sounded the way her imaginative artwork looked.
As for the name, “Caspar” was an alternative to “Chris,” which Ballew found to be boring. And when it comes to “Babypants,” Ballew explained the origin:
One winter I was in Boston, and it was freezing outside. I didn’t have a hat, so I went to this free co-op store and I found this hand knitted pair of baby pants. They were this beautiful creamy brown color. I put them on my head and wore them around. On the way home from the subway to my house, I had to go through a rough neighborhood. There were these gangster types hanging out by a brick wall and they yelled out to me, “Yo Babypants! What’s up?”
The lyrics and chords for all of Ballew’s original children’s songs are available on the Caspar Babypants website. Aspiring musicians take note! While not of the highest musical caliber, Ballew’s music would be a good template for fledgling musicians to study on the way to making their own fun ditties for household entertainment.
If Caspar Babypants doesn’t do it for you, there is so much goofy music out there. We remain lovers of the Okee Dokee Brothers, whose music inspires sing alongs and general merrymaking.
For those with a toddler boy in the house, a mother with twin toddler boy recommended the Sugar Free Allstars rousing romp, “I Like to Climb on Things.” It is funny. And apt! When it comes to homemaking, a little toe-tapping music can make all the difference.
