It is told from the perspective of both Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin, and serves as an allegory for loss of innocence and nostalgia for childhood. Loggins was a 17-year-old senior in high school when he wrote the song.[1]
Originally Disney wouldn't allow Loggins to record the song, claiming copyright infringement. At the time Loggins was dating the daughter of Donn Tatum, the CEO of the Walt Disney Company. She arranged a meeting between Loggins and her father, who gave the okay for the song to be recorded.[2]
The song was later recorded by Loggins and Messina themselves on their debut album Sittin' In, released in November 1971, 6 months after the single release of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band version.
Personnel
Kenny Loggins - lead vocals, classical acoustic guitar
Milt Holland - shakers, temple blocks, congas, cabasa, gong
Other notable versions
In 1994, Loggins re-recorded the song (with an additional verse) under the title "Return to Pooh Corner", a duet with Amy Grant, featuring backing vocals from Grant's then-husband, Gary Chapman. It appears on Loggins’ album of the same title.
