Simmer Down!
words & music JRRothrock
Parenting is not for wimps. I was raised in a household where a solid set of common-sense rules was established. Respect and consideration were at the top of the list. We, as children, had some margin for error before corrective measures were taken, but it was easy to understand and worked like a bank account; therefore, if you had made a series of recent withdrawals, then there was a distinct possibility that this latest offense might cause your “account” to be “overdrawn”. There was no “overdraft protection”. It was time to face the music. If memory serves, I was the only child in my household who had frequent accounting issues —and yet, I wound up in the investment and banking industry. Go figure!
Simmer Down!
It’s ladies’ night, the wife is out, and I’m baby-sittin’ kids.
I tucked them in, now 7 times. I’ll soon be takin’ bids!
It’s not that I don’t love ‘em, or don’t care where they have been…
But just when it gets quiet…and, lawd, the racket starts again!
...goin' on up there?! Get back in bed! Your Mom will be home soon...
If you’re still up, she’ll have my head… and send me to the moon!
Ain’t no use... Nobody listens! Now they’re runnin’ up and down the hall...
Talkin to them young’uns is just like talkin’ to the wall!
It starts with little giggles… then there’s tiptoes 'cross the floor.
Simmer down up there and go to sleep… or I’ll give ya what you’re asking for!
I hear murmurs and whispers, and I think maybe a couple rhymes.
Next thing I know, I hear a beat… like someone’s keeping time!
The baby’s beating pots and pans, little Willie’s on the harp.
Sister’s pluckin’ upright bass. My boy is wailin’ on guitar!
Little Bessy’s on the ivories... getting’ better every day!
If it weren’t so late, I might join in. Who cares what the neighbors say?!
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The wife just called. She’s playing cards; she won and lost a few.
Says she’s havin’ fun but misses me, so I guess that I can muddle through.
May as well relax and tap my toes. There ain’t nothing I can do.
Yeah, the kids were bad, but the music’s good, so I guess I broke even, too!!!