Davy Crockett

In anticipation of a trip to Disney World later this summer, I pulled out a few Disney classic movies to watch with my kids in hopes they see details recognizable from the movies in the theme parks.   Like the references to the movie throughout the Swiss Family Treehouse, or movie details on Tom Sawyer Island.  The movie we watched most recently was Davy Crockett and the River Pirates, where the kids were introduced to not only Davy Crockett and his trusty sidekick, George Russell, but Mike Fink and the fleet of Keel boats such as the Bertha Mae and Gullywhumper.  Alas, the Keel Boats no longer ply the Rivers of American in Liberty Square or Frontierland, but there is certainly relics of this movie in the Magic Kingdom such as the River Pirate encampment, and the Keel Boat landing.

But while my real purpose of the movie was educational, my kids found it more than enjoyable.  In fact, they've watched the movie several times since.  Which got me to thinking - is Davy Crockett and movies of that genre and period still relevant in 2012?  I believe so.  Even without the special effects and great fight scenes of our modern movies, the Davy Crockett series has a wholesome appeal to all ages.  It's an enjoyable film filled with suspense, interesting characters, humor, drama, and a few classic fight scenes.  At one point near the end of The River Pirates, as Davy and his crew beat the River Pirates (who were not the Indians that they were thought to be), my 9 year old son jumped up, threw his arms in the air and yelled "OWNED!"  I think my husband and I about wet our pants laughing over that.  But it does show me that Davy Crockett "owns" it more than 50 years later, and is still relevant in 2012.  

We were also wondering about the Lyrics, so I've pulled them for you to enjoy.   You can thank me later for having those lyrics in your head all day today.  :)

Born on a mountain top in Tennessee, 

Greenest state in the land of the free. 

Raised in the woods so's he knew every tree, 

Killed him a bear when he was only three. 

Davy, Davy Crockett King of the Wild Frontier. 

He fought single handed through the Injun war, 

Till the Creeks was whipped and peace was restored. 

And while he was handling this risky chore, 

Made himself a legend, forevermore. 

Davy, Davy Crockett the man who don't know fear. 

When he lost his love, and his grief was gall, 

In his heart he wanted to leave it all, 

And lose himself in the forest tall, 

But he answered instead, his country's call. 

Davy, Davy Crockett, the choice of the whole frontier 

He went off to Congress and served a spell 

Fixin' up the government and laws as well. 

Took over Washington, so we hear tell, 

And patched up the crack in the Liberty Bell. 

Davy, Davy Crockett, seein' his duty clear. (Serving his country well) 

When he come home, his politickin' done, 

The western march had just begun. 

So he packed his gear, and his trusty gun 

And lit out a grinnin' to follow the sun. 

Davy, Davy Crockett, Leadin the Pioneers. 

His land is biggest, and his land is best 

From grassy plains to the mountain crest 

He's ahead of us all in meeting the test 

Followin' his legend right into the West 

Davy, Davy Crockett, King of the Wide Frontier 

King of the Wild Frontier.