Ballad: The Three Kings Of Chickeraboo

In the whimsical ballad titled “The Three Kings of Chickeraboo” from “The Bab Ballads,” we are transported to the imaginary land of Chickeraboo, where reside three individuals—PACIFICO, BANG-BANG, and POPCHOP. On a particularly sweltering day, they whimsically decide to declare themselves kings, albeit in a modest manner. PACIFICO is adept at playing the “bones,” BANG-BANG excels in banjo music, and POPCHOP is known for his remarkable “flap” dance moves. United by a clever scheme, they decide to establish their make-believe kingdoms by the sea, using three barrels to mark their respective realms.

Their rationale is both humorous and sly, predicated on the assumption that the might of Great Britain’s navy, with its global patrol and discovery of new lands and monarchs, would inadvertently legitimize their newfound royal statuses. They surmise that proximity to Britain, or merely the declaration of their kingly stature, would suffice for recognition, without undue scrutiny into the legitimacy or nature of their kingship.

The narrative then shifts to a British naval vessel, commanded by the intrepid REAR-ADMIRAL BAILEY PIP. This ship, a formidable force on the seas, is on its routine voyage of discovery when it coincidentally stumbles upon the would-be domains of our three protagonists. REAR-ADMIRAL PIP, through his spyglass, observes the islands and their self-proclaimed sovereigns, finding the situation exceedingly peculiar yet intriguing.

Moved by a blend of duty and curiosity, REAR-ADMIRAL PIP orders the lowering of his gig to approach the islands and pay his respects. The scene is both comedic and picturesque, showcasing the dramatic encounter between the high seas’ disciplined explorers and the fanciful, self-appointed monarchs of Chickeraboo. This ballad, with its satirical tone and playful exploration of sovereignty, authenticity, and the allure of recognition, portrays the amusing lengths to which individuals might go to attain a semblance of power and prestige, however ephemeral or illusory it may be.