but you look like a

Long ago, pretty much in a galaxy far away, there was a rock group named “The Barbarians.” They had something of a hit record in “Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl?” They formed on Cape Cod, I was formed just off the Cape, and “Boy or Girl” was released when I was a junior in high school. Connections. 

What’s this to do with Bobbie? For one thing, the drummer of the group, nicknamed “Moulty,” had a hook in place of his left hand. Bobbie only has part of his tail left. Of course I’d make that connection. Doesn’t stop Bobbie, didn’t stop Moulty. Then there’s the title of the song, which back then was a comment on the times they are a-changing, and for Bobbie is pretty much meaningless – witness this sidewalk scene: 

“Daddy, can I pet that pretty kitty on the fence?” “I’m sorry honey, but that cat looks less than friendly, and a little bit scary.” “But Daddy, I don’t care what he looks like. Every kitty just wants to be petted.” 

The dad decides who someone is by how they look. The daughter decides that all of them like the same thing. I was there when this happened, running late for the library gig. Bobbie just yawned.