This Is Me--2024 A to Z Theme

My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2024 the theme is a personal retrospective that I call "I Coulda Been" which is in reference to my job and career arc over my lifetime. I'll be looking at all sorts of occupations that I have done or could have done. Maybe you've done some of these too!

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Lavender Blue ( #BOTB )


 Wishing a Merry Christmas to my NJ grandkids Dilly, Lillie, Marley, Gracie, and Tommy!  I'm going to miss this holiday season with you, but look for me in the summer...


Dilly ready to rock!



Dilly as Chucky for Halloween
Dilly Dilly

        My youngest grandchild in New Jersey recently celebrated her first birthday.  She somehow acquired the nickname of "Dilly" though her real name is Logan (inspired by the 2017 superhero film of the same name).  Everyone says that she is the happiest baby they've ever seen and every time I've been around her she has had such a sweet disposition, smiling away at everyone she sees.  When I heard my daughter calling her "Dilly" the first thing that came to my mind was the old song "Lavender Blue".  In honor of her recent first birthday I've dedicated this round of Battle of the Bands to Dilly...


Battle of the Bands

      Battle of the Bands is the blogging event started by Far Away Series and now hosted by StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens each month on the 15th and on some blogs there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle on the 1st of the month.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it.  Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action.

Lavender Blue

        Originally an English folk song dating back to the 17th century, this tune was reworked in 1949 for the Disney film So Dear To My Heart in which a version sung by Burl Ives was featured.  The song was nominated for a "Best Song" Academy award, but lost out to the now controversial song "Baby, It's Cold Outside".

         Since the song's revival by Ives, many versions have been recorded over the years.  In 2015 Disney used an updated version of the song for the live action film version of Cinderella.   With so many wonderful versions of "Lavender Blue" from which to choose, I thought it most appropriate during the festive season of Christmas and in honor of granddaughter Logan to use these two versions from Disney films released some 66 or so years apart...

Burl Ives   "Lavender Blue"  (1949)

      This is not the movie version.  There are a few versions by Ives to be found on YouTube, but I liked this one best since it's the version I know best.  At least I think it is...  





Muffin Songs   "Lavender's Blue"  (2015)

          Everywhere I looked I saw this version attributed to "Muffin Songs".   Since I don't feel like doing any more research that I've done then I'm going to stick with Muffin Songs as the artist...





Time to Vote!

      Don't be silly, this Battle's for Dilly!  Vote!  Don't let this cute kid down. 
 What's your favorite between these two choices?  Do you prefer the old or the new?  Which song version do you like best? You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.

         Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.


Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

  'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Angel's Bark  


Debbie Doglady's Den

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 


Cherdo on the Flipside

A I Love Music


Winner of this Battle Announced on Friday December 21st

        I'm going to announce the winner of this Battle on Friday since Monday will be Christmas Eve and that doesn't seem like a great time to do that post.   I'll be home for Christmas this year which means I'll likely be taking it easy with no travelling in store.   It's hard to believe that another year is coming to a close.

       Have you seen either of the films mentioned in this post?  Are you familiar with the traditional folk song from which "Lavender Blue" was derived?   What will you be doing for Christmas?






56 comments:

  1. Lovely photo's Lee, they look adorable grandchildren.
    My vote for Lvendar Blue goes way back to Burl Ives.
    I'd forgotten all about hime.

    Have a good weekend.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yvonne, starting off with tradition...

      First vote goes to Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  2. A rhyme is a win too haha we have to go with #1. Just sat with us better at our sea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat, no particular rhyme or reason
      A vote comes in time for the season.
      Just "sitting better" with no high fives
      Comes another vote for Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  3. The young woman who sang the second version (The "Muffin Songs" one) has a lovely voice, but, you know, no one brings to a song what Burl Ives did. He gets my vote. And your granddaughter is adorable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John, the Muffin folks like so many modern artists are filtered and processed to near perfection...

      Again a vote for Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  4. Your grand-kids are adorable,Lee! ☺ So sorry you weren't able to visit them for Christmas. My vote goes to Burl Ives, hands down. The "Muffin Songs" vocalist set my teeth on edge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie D, summer will be here before we know, but still it's a long wait to see my grandkids.

      I just got back from an ordeal with my dentist so I'd rather not think on the subject of teeth right now.

      A vote for Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  5. Definately Burl. FWIW, Laurie agrees. And Dilly is absolutely gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CW, I guess that should count as 2 votes...

      Burl Ives and Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  6. They named her Logan after Wolverine - now that is too cool.
    The second version is really pretty but have to give it up for Burl Ives.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex, my youngest daughter and her other half are pretty edgy and pop-connected. They named their first daughter after Bob Marley.

      Another vote for Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  7. I really dig this song, LEE. And it was a terrific tribute to your granddaughter, "Dilly"! (Do you know how she came by that nickname?)

    I am a big fan of the early Disney movies and I even own 'So Dear To My Heart' on VHS.

    I also really like Burl Ives. I don't think I've ever heard a Burl Ives recording that I disliked. Somehow, he managed to really express the meaning of a song in a seemingly very genuine way. He's one of those few singers who, when you hear them, it feels like they are singing the song for you, personally.

    Vote: BURL

    ~ D-FensDogG @ STMcC Presents 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. STMcC, I can't remember So Dear to my Heart but I'm pretty sure I saw it when I was a kid. Heard the Burl Ives version of this song all my life. Old Burl did have his unique style.

      I think my daughter told me about the "Dilly" nickname, but now I don't remember why they started calling Logan that. I'll have to ask again. It might have something to do with Dilly rhyming with silly, but that's kind of a guess.

      Another vote for Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. I talked to my daughter just now and she told me the story--a story I didn't know and wouldn't have guessed. She said the inspiration came from a Budweiser commercial where someone says "Dilly dilly" whenever a Bud is presented.

      You'd probably enjoy it. If you haven't seen this then here is the commercial link: Dilly DillyL.

      Lee

      Delete
    3. Looks like that link didn't take so here it is in non-clickable format: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Cb5Wk2t-8

      Yeah, my daughter and her husband can be pretty wacky, but they are fun. Their kids are sure turning out nice.

      Delete
    4. Ha! Never saw that commercial before, Lee. But then I haven't had television service in, like, eight dogs' years.

      Nicknames-R-Fun, and they often come from unlikely sources.

      Can I get a "Dilly Dilly" on that?

      ~ Stephen @ STMcC Presents 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'

      Delete
  8. What an adorable nickname! She's so cute! Merry Christmas Lee! Hope you and your family have a great one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoJo, I hope all of our days are great with each one greater than the last. Or so I can dream.

      Lee

      Delete
  9. Happy Belated Birthday to Dilly! What a great tribute to her.

    My is definitely for Burl Ives.

    Excellent battle, Lee.

    Merry Christmas!

    ~Mary
    #BattleOfTheBands : Christmas Edition

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary, Dilly might not appreciate this Battle, but I've been thinking about her and all my family in NJ.

      A vote for Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  10. Call the Cute Police! Your Dilly's plumb adorable! Definitely, I'm voting for Burl Ives.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Myra, she is so cute in person. I hope she keeps that nice disposition as she goes through life.

      Burl Ives once more, dilly dilly.

      Lee

      Delete
  11. Love the dedication to "Dilly." What a cutie!

    This song is familiar, but I couldn't have told you where it came from or where I had the opportunity to hear it. Why? Because I'm a geezer, Lee. That's the way my brain works lately. Perhaps I need a multi-vitamin...

    That said, I liked both versions but I love BURL IVES. He's like the perenial grandpa for the world...and we need a grandpa. One who will patiently sing us songs in a steady, controlled, pitch perfect grandpa voice. Now, if he could only be a snowman...BAM! Christmas mind blown.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cherdo, the perennial grandpa is a great description for Burl Ives. I've heard this song all my life which is why the Dilly nickname immediately conjured the song for me. I've had this song in my queue since I saw the kids this past summer.

      A vote for Burl Ives

      Lee

      Delete
  12. Dilly is really cute! Happy first birthday to her. Count my vote for Burl Ives. The other one hurt my ears :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janet, I wish I could give her a big hug right now!

      Again it's Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  13. We have the added irony here, that Burl Ives is best known by many as Sam the Snowman, the narrator of the 1964 CBS Television Special, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." That programs has also come under fire by some group that said they did not approve.

    I approve of Burl Ives, in any and all capacities. However, in this instance, I prefer Lily James' rendition of this evergreen.

    My vote is for Cinderella 2015.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael, maybe there is also a "War on Burl Ives"? There certainly is a push back on all things from the past where the newest generation is concerned.

      Finally saved from a shut-out with a vote for...

      Muffin Songs.

      Lee

      Delete
  14. Burl Ives. He takes care in the way he sings it. The timing is right. The accordian in the beginning and the rest of the instrumental accompaniment is superior. The other is a slick hollywood remake :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jade, I can't argue with that reasoning...

      Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  15. Those are cute kids! Got a Ramones T-shirt, too! I hope you get to see them soon. Perhaps it may work out that you get to see them more often in the future. Maybe relocating nearer the G-kids might be fun for you.

    I'd love to help out the vote total by adding a Muffin vote... but no can do. I like the muffin top version, but Ives is just too strong to beat. Ives was great. I liked him in almost version thing he did. And his Christmas, folk, and traditional songs were really a lesser skill. His acting was tremendous, and my mother's favorite western was The Big Country in which he won an Oscar. For me, he was the most believable of the bunch in a stellar crew of fine actors.

    Anyway: another vote for Burl-baby.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sixgun McItchyfingerDecember 16, 2018 at 1:36 AM

    Oops! That comment above was by me: Sixgun McGoofyfinger

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 6-Gun, I figured it was you but appreciate the verification.

      Burl is like an institution. He's going to carry this match away.

      Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  17. I love the song Lavender Blue...and Burl Ives will forever be the best version I've heard. Of course, I loved anything Ives sang.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patricia, the song has grown on me though I can't say that I ever really disliked it.

      Again it's Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  18. Gorgeous grandaughter. And a vote for Burl Ives.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roland, thanks!

      Another Burl Ives vote.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. From my cousin Tom on Facebook, a vote for...

      might have known, Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  19. Lee,

    Your grandkids are precious. Too bad you can't see them at Christmas, though. I'm giving my vote to Burl Ives. His vocals are a classic and charming sound. Muffin Song is pretty but lacks the character of Ives. Great battle!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cathy, Muffin Songs pretty well exemplify the state of much modern music for kids. I don't think it's too bad compared to some of the kids music I used to listen to.

      A vote for Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete
  20. Replies
    1. Stephen, Dilly's parents are crazy rockers with some really nice daughters. They're a fun family.

      Lee

      Delete
  21. A Facebook vote from my sister Joni for...

    Yeah, Burl Ives.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  22. I liked both, but think I'm voting for the second one from Cinderella. It's been so long since I've heard Burl Ives! Your granddaughter is absolutely adorable and I thought of her the whole time I listened to the second one, so that's why I'm voting for it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa, Cinderella dilly dilly needs some votes! Thanks for yours.

      Muffin Songs.

      Lee

      Delete
  23. I have to go with the Muffin Songs "Lavender's Blue". I really love this song and the Capella rendition featured in the new Cinderella (I really want that ballgown). Burt Ives' version isn't so bad, but as a girl raised on (Disney) princess, I feel the Muffin Songs' version appeals to me more as it sounds more magical.

    Merry Christmas!

    aisasami]
    http://aisasami.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AI, I knew there had to be some who would prefer the newer style. So far those voters have been scarce...

      A vote for Muffin Songs.

      Lee

      Delete
  24. Other than spending time with family I'll mostly be cooking and eating over Christmas – but I'll make time for reading and writing too.

    Have a good one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patsy, cooking and eating are popular Christmas pastimes for many. It's always good to have some relaxation time to oneself though.

      Lee

      Delete
  25. Hi Lee!

    Dilly is adorable!

    Gosh, this was tough. I feel like I'm cheating on Burl, but I have to go with Muffin Songs for the crisp, waltz-like quality.

    I've got a new book loaded on my Kindle, a couple of writing projects to finish, and more than a few butterflies as we head to snow country for the holiday! The kids swear they're going to drag this desert rat outside to play as I inwardly groan ;-)

    Merry Christmas, Lee!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diedre, sounds like you have a fun busy holiday ahead. It's difficult to drag me out into the cold for long.

      A vote for Muffin Songs.

      Lee

      Delete
  26. Lovely grandchild!

    Hmmm. I'm on the fence on the song. Muffin Songs has more appeal, but it also has that generic feel to it that I typically hear in "Kids Songs". Still, I'm going to have to go with them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Loni, the group has a "modern" sound that is commercially appealing.

      Muffin Songs.

      Lee

      Delete
  27. Burl gets my vote. The second one might have been better musically but Burl's timing on his delivery was better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike, join the crowd...

      Another vote for Burl Ives.

      Lee

      Delete

Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.
I normally try to respond to all comments in the comment section so please remember to check the "Email follow-up comments" box if you want to participate in the comment conversation.

For Battle of the Bands voting the "Anonymous" commenting option has been made available though this version is the least preferred. If voting using "anonymous" please include in your comment your name (first only is okay) and city you are voting from and the reason you chose the artist you did.

If you know me and want to comment but don't want to do it here, then you can send me an email @ jacksonlee51 at aol dot com.

Lee