Charlie was a pollywog from Tippecanoe,

he was a sad tadpole, boy let me tell you.

He never ever learned to tie his shoes,

So he's sings the blues, and plays the kazoo.

 

One day Charlie saw his good friend Gil

He was a “know it all” catfish from Capital Hill

He said, "Charlie I could show you how to tie your shoes."

But that Catfish Gil didn’t have a clue.

 

Gil said: First you take your laces and you pull em tight,

then you stick one in your ear

Then the boys heard a sudden noise

And a brand new friend appeared

 

Sally was a halibut that happened to hear

About a sad tadpole with a shoe in his ear

Hey there Gil you’re doing this all wrong

You should listen to the Jelly of the Month Club song

 

Take that shoe and put it on your head

Strap the strings under your fin

If you tighten up your laces for every race
You’re sure to win

 

Charlie was a pollywog from Tippecanoe,

He was a sad tadpole, boy let me tell you.

He never ever learned to tie his shoes,

So he's sings the blues, and plays the kazoo.

 

These three lost souls are all tied up 

And not sure what to do

Sure hope somebody comes along

And shows ‘em how to tie their shoes

 

(Instrumental)

 

Charlie was a pollywog from Tippecanoe,

He was a sad tadpole, boy let me tell you.

The three of them had to admit defeat

When they finally figured out that they didn’t have feet