Scary Kiddie Record

[barnettrp21122]

I found this little five-inch kid's record years ago in the 78 pile at the Salvation Army store in Sioux City Iowa.

"Boy With The Matches" (Ballard) Little John Record, 1950

http://www.box.net/shared/j5sbsmgi40c2ngi0api5

The other side:

"Ridin' The Fire Engine" (Ballard) Little John Record, 1950

http://www.box.net/shared/9akj0bu05yh20n3fjjth

Quite a different view-I guess fires were fun if they didn't happen to you!

Enjoy.
Bob

[syncopeter]

Yes,

When a hearty slapping was still thought to be good for a child. Quite fun though.

[Henry]

Definitely a mixed message. Poor Billy's house burned down because he played with matches---poor Billy---but weren't those fire engines thrilling? Maybe it was worth it; after all, he got to see those brave firemen in action!

I wonder if "Ballard" is the composer/lyricist, or if it's a misspelling of "Ballad"?

[Swing Band Heaven]

Yes,

When a hearty slapping was still thought to be good for a child.

It still is, when administered at the correct time. I was smacked when I over stepped the mark as a child and it didn't cause me irreprable harm Needless hitting is another matter of course.

Interesting record this one...and I agree about the mixed messages it must of given out to a generation of american kids!

[1923VictorFan]

I find it disturbing that the matches are actually dancing as poor Little John cries. I'm not at all convinced that Little John started the fire. The behavior of the matches is typical of a perpetrator guilty of carrying out a pre-meditated crime in which an innocent fall-guy becomes the sole object of the criminal investigation. I feel that Little John, while far from being a good boy, has been framed and will likely spend a large portion of his morning in time-out.