For Big Bird's Birthday: Lessons We Learned from Sesame Street

"When I'm Itchy, I Scratch"

Among the many memorable songs that were sing-in-the-backseat-of-the-car staples of my childhood is the growly, slow, completely frank number from Sesame Street, "When I'm Itchy, I Scratch."

The images on the screen were of bison and other big beasts scritching and scratching their backs against trees and rocks, and the lyrics preached an utterly animalistic sort of common sense. "When I'm hungry, I eat. When I'm thirsty, I drink. I get my fires lit up with a match, and when I'm itchy, I scratch."

Looking at it one way, I suppose the song could be read as the case against self-control, doing exactly what you want when you want it. But I think the song has more to do with the virtues of instinct, the simple categories of needs that we all need to meet--but not exceed. So if you'll excuse me, I have to go look for a scratch-worthy tree...

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