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Sung by Ernie and Hoots the Owl Music by Christopher Cerf Lyrics by Norman Stiles Copyright 1987 Splotched Animal Music/Sesame Street, Inc. Lyrics: Excuse me, Mr. Hoots, I hate to bug a busy bird, But I want to learn to sax, And I need a helpful word-- I always get a silly squeak When I play the blues Ernie, keep your cool I'll teach ya how to blow the sax I think I dig your problem-- It's rubber and it quacks You'll never find the skill you seek Till you pay your dues Chorus: You gotta put down the duckie, Put down the duckie, Put down the duckie, Yeah, you gotta leave the duck alone You gotta put down the duckie, Put down the duckie, Put down the duckie, If you wanna play the saxophone! You didn't hear a word I said, You gotta get it through your head Don't be a stubborn cluck, Ernie, lay aside the duck! I've learned a thing or two From years of playing with a band: It's hard to play a saxophone With something in your hand To be a fine musician, You're gonna have to face the facts: Though you're blessed with flying fingers When you wanna wail, you're stuck-- What good are flying fingers If they're wrapped around a duck? Change the toy's position, If you wanna ace the sax! (Repeat chorus twice) Sesame Street is owned by Sesame Workshop, not me.