By Jon Gremmels
Herald Sports Editor
CLINTON —
Around this time of year my dad turns into a holiday crooner.
Bing Crosby is best known for “White Christmas,” Perry Como, “I’ll be Home for Christmas, and Andy Williams, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and then you have Dennis Bicker, “Holly Jolly Chickens.”
Since I started raising chickens, my dad has taken to songwriting. I’m not sure why, but apparently my chickens have become a source of great inspiration. He has become a regular Willie Nelson when it comes to writing lyrics.
He has written the infamous “Klucker the red-beaked chicken” and “Rock’n around the chicken coop” just to name a few. This year he dropped off a few more in addition to a poem. “Holly Jolly Chickens” is my favorite; however, his take on “Jingle Bells” is pretty funny too with the new name of “Egg Omelets.” I have to say the best part about this song is the first part, but judge for yourself.
Egg Omelets, Written by Dennis Bicker
Dashing through the coop in my Kent Feed working suit.
O’er the chickens we go, clucking all the way.
Bells on chicken legs ring, making critters bright.
What fun it is to cackle and sing a cooking song tonight.
Oh, egg omelets, egg omelets, omelets all the way.
Oh what fun it is to fry on my country kitchen stove.
Egg omelets, egg omelets, omelets all the way.
Oh, what fun it is to eat my piping hot omelet treat.
Without further adieu, here is my favorite. Feel free to sing along.
“Holly Jolly Chickens”
Have some holly, jolly chickens
It’s the best time in the coop.
I don’t know if there’ll be eggs,
so have a cup of soup.
Have some holly, jolly chickens
and when you walk into the coop
Say hello to chickens you know
they’ll be swinging on their roost.
Oh, ho
the chicken coop
what a happy little place.
Those chickens wait for you,
they’ll peck you on your face.
Have some holly, jolly chickens
and in case there’s just no eggs
Oh, by golly
have some holly, jolly chickens this year.
Pretty clever, huh? I have a feeling old Willie is shaking in his socks.
Since it’s Christmas, here is another treat just for you.
Winter Thought, By Dennis Bicker
As the moon casts its light across the still night,
I glance out my window at the chicken coop gleaming so bright.
The icicles hang atop the roof and almost stretch to the ground,
But in the cold, cold night not a creature can be found.
But from the coop, there’s a warm red glow
As I hear the north wind fiercely blow.
I wonder what those feathered little chickens are dreaming
Perhaps tomorrow I will see what they were scheming.
Will they scatter when I open the door
Or will they jump from their roost and line up on the floor.
For tomorrow is Christmas Day
And they might have something to say.
You see, chickens like to socialize and Santa knows to
That when he lands on their roof he knows what to do.
When Santa slips a treat into their tiny little stockings, hanging from their nests
The chickens left him some fresh white eggs because they know he did his best.
And off into the night Santa sputters
Wondering if maybe next year he also can get some fresh butter.
I just have one thing to ask my dad. So, does the last line mean I’m getting a goat for Christmas?
Angie Bicker is the Lifestyles Editor at the Clinton Herald. has been employed with the Herald since 2001. She can be reached at angiebicker@clintonherald.com.
