The other day I read an Internet article on "what has been the most frequently played song?"
It turns out the winner, according to the article, is a song called "It's a Small World". This song has been part of a theme park ride for over 50 years. It's been played over 50 million times.
This ride now operates at various Disney properties throughout the world, and all those repetitions of that song add up.
I've been on two of those rides. One was at Disney World near Orlando, Florida.
But my earliest memory of this ride was not at a Disney property at all but, rather, at the 1964 New York World's Fair. I rode it several times with my family and once on a school field trip (I grew up in New York City). My spouse also rode it twice.
Would you like a glimpse at what the original look of this ride was like? This video is of high quality. It's a bit long but you will get the point quickly. I would say "not bad at all for 1964!" Some say the content is stereotyped; others say it is sweet and innocent. You can decide for yourself.
Just don't listen with the speakers on, unless you want to develop an earworm.
Rides come and rides go but this one has staying power.
Have you ever ridden it?
Let's see how much of a small world this is.
I loved the Disney World ride, my kids not so much. I'll skip the video. I already have the song in my head just hearing the name. I am surprised though that it is the most played.
ReplyDeleteI never would have guessed it was the most played song ever. Not even close.
DeleteHi Alana, I watched and listened to the video for 7 minutes, in danger of getting ear worm! Not exactly a geography lesson, but I found it enjoyable and cute.
ReplyDeleteIt is cute - perhaps too cute. When I saw the 1964 video, it made me think of simpler days. They weren't, of course, but it just seemed that way.
DeleteI'm a little younger than you, my memories aren't as clear, but I very clearly remember riding Small World at the Fair. I also had the 45, and a book about how they made the dolls. Sweet memories.
ReplyDeleteA 45 - I shouldn't be surprised they sold the record. I have a lot of memories of the 1964 World's Fair (I was in 6th grade) - perhaps one day I should share some of them.
Deleteit was a great time. My boyfriend's parents took him to the Fair frequently. He collects Fair memorabilia.
DeleteBeing a Florida resident, there are a few songs that are 100% banned from being sung in public. That's one of them. =)
ReplyDeleteAs a former Florida resident (two years, back in the mid 1970's), I hear you!
DeleteSweet video. Enjoyed it! Reminds me of a place, "Imagica" where stories come alive. :)
ReplyDeleteI looked up Imagica and, in some ways, yes, the Disney complex in Orlando, Florida would be like that. Of course, I haven't been back to Disneyworld in many many years.
DeleteAwwwwww.... I love "It's A Small World"! I thought I was the only person in the world who didn't hate it! I rode the ride the one time I was in Disney World, and I loved it -- the ride, the song, the little dolls, and all. :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you and me are the only ones who don't hate it. I really did enjoy it...after all.
DeleteWe'd get on Small World at Disneyland when we were ready to sit down and needed a bit of a/c. Reluctantly. Because of that blasted song.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is the ride everyone loves to hate.
DeleteI don't think an advertising ditty (call it what you want) can qualify as a winner. Because then Happy Birthday probably beats it hands down. (And, both are just as sappy!!!)
ReplyDeleteYou may just be right - there's no way to measure Happy Birthday except by taking everyone in the world and multiplying by number of birthdays, and factoring in their popularity....
ReplyDeleteI have not ridden it and since I am susceptible to earworms I kept the sound off. Thanks for the interesting post
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of times the song has been played! I've never been to Disney World :(
ReplyDeleteEven with computer the world is coming smaller and hopeful kinder.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
I never quite got to one but surely this seems like a wonderful idea! And well it is a small world in all aspects :)
ReplyDeleteI was taught this song when I was 5 and had to perform it on request quite often. I remember how much my grandfather appreciated the lyrics and my singing! Thanks for bringing back this memory.
ReplyDeleteIt is very cute. I barely remember it. I was seven years old that summer. I just remember the World's Fair as being very magical and colorful and very appealing to a little kid such as me.
ReplyDeleteCan it be both stereotypical AND sweet and innocent? I like to think so. I've always liked the song (it's so trendy to hate on it - just like hating on Barney the Purple Dinosaur, but I unabashedly like both, so there!) It might've been my favorite ride at Disney World, but maybe that's because it always came just when I needed a rest and a respite from the heat - it's always cool and pleasant (once you get through the line)!
ReplyDelete