Yon Yonson
Yon Yonson is an infinitely recursive poem, nursery rhyme or song, perhaps best known from the novel Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, although Vonnegut did not create it. The song is often sung in a Scandinavian accent (e.g. j pronounced as y, w pronounced as v). This accent is revealed by the name "Yon Yonson," which when recited in American English is usually rendered "Jan Jansen" or "John Johnson." The Swedish pronunciation "Yon Yonson" probably dates the origin of the song to soon after the Swedes' arrival in the United States. The earliest known appearance of the song has been credited to Jan Sophus Jansen (2/2/1870-3/18/1953). Jan Jansen (pronouced "Yon Yonson) was born in Amager Denmark. At age 23 (1893), he immigrated to the United States. Jan settled in Berlin, Wisconsin, where he first worked in a lumberyard and later worked as a carpenter, cabinet maker, and wood pattern maker. Jan was known to sing his namesake song while playing the concertina as he walked the streets of Berlin. I am danish myself so I find this piece of information interesting and funny.
About Sting
Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (born 2 October 1951), known as Sting, is an English musician and actor. He was the frontman, principal songwriter and bassist for the rock band the Police from 1977 until their break-up in 1986. He launched a solo career in 1985 and has included elements of rock, jazz, reggae, classical, new-age, and worldbeat in his music. Sting has sold a combined total of more than 100 million records as a solo artist and as a member of the Police. He has received three Brit Awa...
More about Sting→Added
Know someone who'd love this clip?
Share it with friends and fellow fans.
