This song was inspired by an article in the Smithsonian Magazine about river otters and the
scientists who study them. The author describes otters as sliding down riverbanks "head first
and belly down."
The article notes, "As a scientist, [Pat] Foster-Turley hesitates to use the word 'fun'
[to explain why animals do things], but with otters she comes close. 'When I see one balancing
a pinecone on its nose, then pulling it under-water and letting it bob to the surface, then shooting
up and jumping on it, there's nothing else to call it.'"
I work in a laboratory, I study the otters each day,
I'm stuck when I come to one story, the myst'ry of why otters play,
As a scientist I look for reasons for certain behavioral traits.
Could it be just for fun that you play in the sun? I've even seen you race.
Chorus:
You go head first and belly down and then you slide into the water.
You go head first and belly down and then you slide 'cuz you're an otter.
You don't have to go to school each day, you stay at home and play,
And you look so cute when you're covered with clay, and...
Chorus
You're Mother Nature's acrobat, the Queen of Rock 'n Roll.
You make me laugh so hard, I feel it deep in my soul, when...
Chorus
Your antics are amazing and your whiskers mesmerize.
As a big top clown, you should get the first prize, when...
Chorus
Do do do do...and then you slide into the water
And then you slide, 'cuz you're an otter,
You're otterly adorable, I love to watch you play,
Would you be so kind as to show me the way, the way...
