The Marvelous Toy

Written by Tom Paxton But as any good music scene investigator team should, let us review the clues. Besides the referenced zipping, bopping and whirring, here are the other facts in evidence: The marvelous toy has bright colors. There are two big buttons on its bottom that look like green eyes. It has a lid that can be twisted. It is capable of marching and chugging. As for this investigator, I’m with Chad Mitchell who in the song grudgingly confesses: “I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.” Besides the vinyl original, The Marvelous Toy is available on several CDs. I have it on Havin’ a 60’s Hootenanny. The song details are no mystery. It is The Marvelous Toy, a 1963 hit for the Chad Mitchell Trio. From the pen of singer-songwriter Tom Paxton, this tune has also been recorded by such folk stars as John Denver and Peter, Paul and Mary. Though described as a gift in The Marvelous Toy, there isn’t one reference in the lyrics about the toy being associated with any occasion _ not Christmas, not a birthday, not even Groundhog Day. Regardless, by coming out at the end of the year, The Marvelous Toy instantly became a radio station holiday playlist favorite. It also became the Chad Mitchell Trio’s biggest hit. Oh yes, this is not a narrative. It is sung from start to finish. Unfortunately, the toy’s identity and purpose remains unsolved.