aibu to think this is relatively harmless/

[bigsmall]

Hello. Sons' dad has taken huge offence (doesn't take much) over this. A close relative of mine recited these 2 lines in the presence of our sons (8&9): "the boy stood on the burning deck; the flames came in between us". This was the most risqué amid many other songs and jokes, during a very happy visit with said relative and his lovely family. Sons repeated these 2 lines, in the hearing of their dad. Their dad now demands the contact details of said relative, so he can explain his "position" on these "lewd, suggestive songs", as he finds "such songs" (in fact it was only these 2 lines of one song) to be "perversions". Btw, the dad is quite an angry chap, but am I being unreasonable to say I will happily forward an email, but will check with said relative before actually giving boys' dad the contact details? Boys' dad (let's say not so dear partner) threatens to send message via the relative's church or office. To be honest, I think that's a good idea as then other people would be witnesses to nsdp's extreme outrage. But am I getting this all wrong? Thanks for any thoughts.

[JosephineMaynard]

I'm a bit confused. The "lewd" content of this has gone right over my head.

[issynoho]

He sounds unhinged! Why not let him deal with it, then everyone will see what he's like and you can stay well out of it.

You don't say whether you think it was wrong for your sons to hear this - what's your opinion?

[Giratina]

Me too Josephine.

[Cococrumble]

Er.. I don't get it?

[Ifailed]

^ Agree. Either I had a very sheltered upbringing, or all lewdness was far more opaque.

[Redcrayons]

I don't get it. Why is it lewd?

[ElspethFlashman]

No way pander to this. No way.

He sounds deranged.

Also haven't a clue what's risque about it???!

[WalterWhitesNipple]

My head hurts.

[issynoho]

And I've not heard that one! I know the other version. My DC love these sort of rhymes and jokes. Certainly not 'perversions'.

[cozietoesie]

There's a slightly 'rude' version of that song. Is he confused?

[issynoho]

I'm guessing in the full version 'in between us' rhymes with 'penis'?

[Seeline]

I can't see anything lewd either.

THe only lines I know to this were taught to me by granddad:
THe boy stood on the burning deck
His legs were all a quiver.
He gave a cough, his leg fell off and floated down the river.

THought that hysterical at age 9

[Clandestino]

Where is this lewd?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casabianca_(poem)

I mean, OK, English is not my first language so I may have a different definition of lewd and perverse but a poem about a boy who died in fire is not exactly lewd, is it?

[Trifleorbust]

Don't give your ex contact details for your family. Don't encourage his insanity.

[SittingDrinkingTea]

Okay, so I'm guessing this was the first two lines of a rude version of the poem, and the final word of the last line would be penis, as in,

"The boy stood on the burning deck,
The flames they came between us,
Something something something something,
Something something penis".

Did your sons hear the whole thing, or just the first two lines?

Either way your DH is massively overreacting.

[idontlikealdi]

I am really struggling with this one. Penis isn't lewd anyway, is it?

[MrsEricBana]

Gosh even the "rude" versions of this aren't exactly lewd or perverted. At most forward an email (which you can therefore read before sending) with a covering note.

[bigsmall]

Thank you very very much for this reassurance. I really didn't think there was much wrong with it. I think the crude bit is the idea that the next 2 lines would end with penis as that almost rhymes with between us.

But compared with the very bad language the boys hear when they go to watch rugby, it is harmless.

Thank you. Incidentally, the dad is not exactly my ex - still share a house with him, as am trying to avoid the situation where the boys have to spend every other week alone with their dad.

[gamerwidow]

Your dp would have a fit if he heard some of the songs my sister and mum have taught my dd(6).
She loves anything a bit rude and naughty.
I'd think your dp was unhinged if he contacted me about repeating that poem in front of your son.

[bigsmall]

No - they heard only up to "between us". I think that is the joke.

[toptoe]

Never give him someone's contact details.Just tell him 'no' you can't. Or lie and say you don't have them.

If he wants to contact them himself, let him crack on. Do you think it's worth warning the relative or do you think it's unlikely your ex will actually speak to them? I would think the latter and he's just saying all this to wind you up, or try and cause trouble with your family to isolate you.

[krustykittens]

Err, does he really think that two boys of eight and nine have never heard or used the word penis? Anyway, the word word wasn't used, the whole song, rude or not, wasn't sung! He's a nutter!

[Kittykatmacbill]

I have absolutely no idea why this is lewd or perceived as lewd. Your sort of ex sounds bonkers, he must have his mind in the gutter.

[Witchend]

Not heard that one. The one I knew was:
"The boy stood on the burning deck
His feet were full of blisters
The flames came up and burnt his pants
And now he wears his sisters."

I still find that funny.

[Manumission]

Is he a religious maniac?