Pardon me, boy, is that the cat who chewed my new shoes?

The story:

Misunderstanding wasn't mine originally; I picked it up as a kid from a family friend who entertained kids during long drives by teaching everyone silly songs. No idea whether she realized this was not the original; I certainly didn't until a sing-along session with friends in college. They thought I was being clever; I somehow managed not to undeceive them. Whew.