Songs for
a better world T
Taking turns
The best things in life are
free
The bundle of sticks
The Earth is our Mother
The
family of man
The
garden song
The
lovely land of lullabies
The
moon shines bright
The
river is flowing
The sun
is in my heart
The
sun that shines across the sea
The
world turned upside down ****
This pretty planet
Tiffy one and Tiffy two
Time just slips away
Tiritomba
Treasure
Treasure hunt
Tree of hope
Two little boats
Last updated: 3/20/2023
9:38 AM
The songs below are compiled, adapted and
illustrated by Dany Rosevear
*** Original songs
by Dany Rosevear
Return to the ‘Singing games for children’ home
To listen to music from these songs click on 🔊
To watch the
author sing a song click on the title at:
© Dany Rosevear 2008 All rights reserved
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|
Taking turns 🔊
To
listen and learn. Speaking
and listening is one of the most important parts of the school curriculum,
children need to express themselves with clarity and care in order to
communicate effectively with others but also how to listen with care. Taking
turns to speak can be difficult for both the young and us older ones too! Sing one, two or three
verses depending on the age of your children. From
’Singing fun’ published 1962 Music by Lucille F. Wood and words by Louise B.
Scott. Additional verses added by Dany
Rosevear who also arranged the music. |
Verse 1.
Raise one finger. Place hand to ear. Point to self then another.
Verse 2.
Raise one finger. Place hand to ear, nod. Put finger to lips, then hands in
lap.
|
Only one can talk at a
time, So this is what we’ll do, I’ll listen while you talk
to me, And then I’ll talk to you. Only one can talk at a
time, So I’ll listen and I’ll
learn, I’ll sit as quiet as a
mouse can be And wait to take my turn. Now its time to take my
turn, And I would like to say, “Thank you for your great
ideas, / lovely words / things you’ve said I’m glad you’re here
today!” |
|
The best things
in life are free 🔊
Appreciate what we have and make the most of our natural world. Written for the 1927 musical ‘Good News’ with lyrics by Buddy DeSylva
and Lew Brown and music by Ray Henderson. There was a revival of the song in
the 1950s by a number of well known singers. Find
out more. |
|
The Moon belongs to
ev'ryone, The best things in
life are free. The stars belong to
ev'ryone, They gleam there for
you and me. The flowers in spring, The robins that sing, The sunbeams that
shine, They're yours, they're
mine! And love can come to
ev’ryone, The best things in
life are free. The stars in the sky The Moon on high They're great because
they're free. |
|
The bundle of
sticks 🔊
The ‘Bundle of sticks’ is an Aesop’s Fable and the moral: ‘In unity
there is strength’. It is a story regularly told in primary school assemblies
as it is such a powerful message. We all need each other in order to survive on this world of ours using
our diverse talents and strengths, as a family and friends and as a global
family. |
|
One stick all alone,
on the forest floor, All around you can
find many, many more; One stick on its own
breaks so easily, You need a bunch to
make them as sturdy as can be. Gather them up, bind
with a string, Each stick together is
a mighty, mighty thing. A powerful bundle, a
strong and tight bundle, A wonderful bundle of
sticks! One child all alone,
sitting by the shore, All around you can see
many, many more; Each child welcomes
good friends and company, And ev’ry child needs
to have a caring family. Gather them up, bind
with love and fun Everyone together is
the way to get things done. A powerful bundle, a
strong and loving bundle, A wonderful bundle of
fun! On one small island in
an ocean far away, Seas are rising slowly
each and every day Forest fires fiercely
burn, ice caps crack and melt, Each of us must show
we care, the world cries out for help; United we stand,
divided we fall, Onwards together is
the mighty, mighty call. Like that powerful
bundle, that strong and tight bundle, That wonderful bundle
of sticks! One world is all we
have, there is no planet B, Work as one in harmony
to save Earth’s family. |
|
The
Earth is our Mother 🔊
A song for Earth Day. “The earth is
not just our environment. The earth is our mother.” so said the Dalai Lama.
This song was inspired by the 1854 speech of Chief Seattle of the Suquamish
tribe, it is ‘a tribute to the seamless web of spirituality, life, and land.’ |
|
The earth is our mother, We must take care of her. The earth is our mother, We must take care of her. Chorus Hey yana, ho yana, hey yan yan. Hey yana, ho yana, hey yan yan. Her sacred ground we walk upon, With every step we take. Her sacred ground we walk upon, With every step we take. Chorus The earth is our mother, She will take care of us. The earth is our mother, She will take care of us. Chorus |
|
The family of
man 🔊
A song for our times - together we can make a difference. Words and music by Karl Dallas. This song from ‘Come and Praise’ BBC radio for schools, was very
popular in assemblies all the years I taught and always sung with much gusto.
The second verse resonates very personally as my larger family is
spread around the world including Perth and Paris! I have very gently tweaked some of the less contemporary words and replaced them with more inclusive language; deleting ‘coolie’ and culling ‘men’! Though the ‘man’ of the title of course refers to ‘mankind’. I love ‘The miner in the Rhondda’ / but if you
wish to be more up to date sing ‘The miner in Wyoming’ as most coal is
produced there. Apparently the songwriter sings it differently each time so I would
imagine this version is an acceptable one! See discussion at: https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/676786-Song-hymn-The-Family-of-Man-I-belong-to-a
|
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I belong to a family,
the biggest on the earth; Ten thousand every day
are coming to birth. Our name isn't Davis,
or Groves, or Jones, It's a name everyone
can be glad we own: Chorus: It’s the family of man,
keeps growing, The family of man,
keeps sowing The seeds of a new
life every day. I've got a sister in
Perth, a brother in Paree, The whole wide world
is mum and dad to me. Wherever you go you
will find my kin, Whatever the creed or
colour of skin: The miner in the
Rhondda, the builder in Beijing, Those across the ocean
who plough, reap and spin, They've got a life and
others to share it, So let's bridge the
oceans and declare it: Now some people say
the world is a terrible place, But it's just as good
or bad as the human race; Dirt and misery or
health and joy, We can build or we can
destroy: |
|
The
garden song / Inch by inch, row by
row 🔊
A song for the growing season
written by David Mallet. It has been sung by Pete Seeger and John Denver
among others. |
|
Inch by inch, row by row, Gonna make this garden grow. All it takes is a rake and a hoe And a piece of fertile ground. Inch by inch, row by row, Someone bless these seeds I sow, Someone warm them from below, 'Til the rain comes tumbling down. Pullin' weeds and pickin' stones, We are made of dreams and bones, Feel the need to grow my own, for the time is
close at hand. Grain for grain, sun and rain, We are part of Nature's chain, Tune my body and my brain to the music from the
land. CHORUS Plant your rows straight and long, Temper them with prayer and song, Mother Earth will make you strong, if you give her
love and care. Old crow watching hungrily, From his perch in yonder tree, In my garden I'm as free, as that feathered thief
up there. CHORUS Just found this extra verse! Brothers, sisters all around This is where our garden’s found. Side by side we work the ground to help these seedlings grow. Water them with love and care, Trust the promise that we share. Keep them healthy and prepare for our first fruit to show. |
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The lovely land
of lullabies 🔊
We all wish for Utopia sometimes! When things aren’t going so well with our planet and Mother Nature’s
welfare is in retreat we dive into our imaginations and think how things
could and might be with a little care and thoughtfulness from our divisive
politicians. Words and music by Dany Rosevear. |
|
In the lovely land of
lullabies the nightingale gently sings, The lion and lamb lay
talking of wise and wondrous things, The dragon sleeps in slumber
deep and sheds a starlit tear. Sweet magical
moonbeams weave through your dreams; Follow, follow those
rainbows here. In the lovely land of
lullabies it's never too hot or cold. The little folk think
it’s a joke to care for silver and gold; For Nature’s store is
worth so much more, such beauty they hold dear. Sweet magic and
moonbeams weave through your dreams; Follow, follow those
rainbows here. In the lovely land of
lullabies shadow rabbits tarry awhile, The mice play round the
old grey cat whose whiskers twitch beguiled, Wild creatures roam
through green forest homes where air is pure and clear. Sweet magic and
moonbeams weave through your dreams; Follow, follow those
rainbows here. In the lovely land of
lullabies there’s a companion for every child, Who’ll tell them cosy
tales of old and rhymes to make them smile; Who’ll listen when
they’re worried and chase away scaredycat fears. Sweet magic and
moonbeams weave through your dreams; Follow, follow those
rainbows here. |
|
The moon shines
bright 🔊
We
have but one life so make the most of it! The traditional hymn is rather
sombre and funereal, based on the brevity of our lives. This version arranged
by Dany Rosevear leans towards the hopeful and optimistic aspects of our
journey through life for a younger audience. There are many different tunes
used for this hymn – this one is as heard from Keith Kendrick’s singing. |
Oh, the moon shines
bright and the stars give a light, Just a little before
the day, The voice of love, it
calls on all of us, And bids us awake and
arise. Awake, awake, good
people all, Awake for the wonders
fly, And you shall behold
the dawning of the day, When you wake and open
your eyes. In yonder garden green
doth grow, As green as any leaf, So cherish, love and
teach your children well, To do good to all
those they meet. Oh the life of a man
‘tis but a span, It flourishes like a
flower, As tender as the heart
into which you are born, So treasure your every
hour. My song it is done, I
must be gone, I can stay no longer
here; Blessings to you all,
both great and small, And wishing you
another good year! |
|
The river is
flowing 🔊
The source of this song was probably a
chant written in the 1970s by Sun Bear, a member of the Chippewa Tribe. He
was born in the White Earth Reservation in the North of the United States on
31 August 1926 and died on 19 June 1992 at the age of 66 in Spokane,
Washington. Additional verses have been added over the years and you can find
several interpretations of the melody. Find more at: http://www.soulrebels.com/beth/riverflowing.html
and http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=7568.
I have adapted the words of the final
verse to lament a changing world and hope for the future of our children. In German ‘der fluss
der will fließen’ |
The river is flowing,
flowing and growing, The river is flowing,
back to the sea. Mother Earth carry me,
your child I will always be, Mother Earth carry me,
back to the sea. The moon she is
waiting, waxing and waning, The moon she is
waiting, for us to be free. Sister Moon watch over
me, your child I will always be, Sister Moon watch over
me, until we are free! The sun he is shining,
brightly he’s shining, The sun he is shining,
lighting our way. Father Sun shine over
me, your child I will always be, Father Sun shine over
me, until we can see! The earth she is
changing, her waters are rising, The earth she is
changing, her waters are tears. Mother Earth, carry
me, your child I will always be, Mother Earth carry me,
down through the years. |
|
The sun is in my heart 🔊
A song of hope
to lift the spirits. Adapted, on a
sunny day, from a poem by A.C. Harwood. Adaptation and music by Dany
Rosevear. Sitting
outside one afternoon in the sunshine, reading and in social isolation,
inspired this version. On the other side of the garden fence Corvid 19 haunts
the world but despite such a sad and difficult situation for so many, many
people there are still some positive things to inspire us and lift our
spirits; music being one of them. |
|
It warms me with its
power, And wakens, wakens,
life and love, In bird and beast and
flower, In bird and beast and
flower. The stars above my
head, Are shining in my mind, Like music, music of
this world, We leave our cares
behind, We leave our cares
behind. The earth is where I tread, Let my feet be honest
and true, And mindful, mindful,
where I step, In every deed I do, In every deed I do, Then I must thankful
be, If those on earth that
dwell, With kindness, care,
and thoughtfulness, Greet every person
well, Greet every person
well. And we must thankful
be, As one on earth we
dwell, To know, to know and
love this world, And wish all creatures
well, And wish all creatures
well. |
|
The sun that shines across the sea 🔊
A song of
gratitude. There are so
many things we take for granted but we need at times to stop our busy lives
and dwell upon the things that make our lives good. I found the
first verse and chorus in ‘Someone’s singing, Lord’ published by A&C
Black in 1973; here it cites the author as unknown and music a Dutch folk
song. I am not sure
where the second two verses originated. It also was published in ‘Songs for
primaries' published 1948. |
|
The
sun that shines across the sea, The
wind that whispers in the tree, The
lark that carols in the sky, The
fleecy clouds a-sailing by, Chorus O,
I’m as rich as rich can be, For
all these things belong to me! O,
I’m as rich as rich can be, For
all these things are mine, For
all these things are mine! The
raindrops which refresh the earth, The
springtime mantle of rebirth, The
summer days when all things grow, The
autumn mist and winter snow, Chorus The
task well done, the fun of play, The
wise who guide me on my way, The
balm of sleep when each day ends, The
joy of family and friends, Chorus |
|
The world turned upside down 🔊
A strange song
inspired by a very odd year. For those who
have entered yet another ‘lockdown’. While I was
doing my morning excercises someone on the radio described 2020 as ‘the year
the world turned upside down’ and hence this song was born. Celestial bodies,
including the moon and the stars, somehow seemed to gain more significance in
our troubled and socially isolated lives. Words and
music by Dany Rosevear. |
|
The
moon, the moon shone big and bright, As
the world turned upside down; The
stars, the stars put out their lights And
the sun began to frown. Chorus: Hey,
fiddle-dee-day, There’s
mischief on its way! Hey,
fiddle-dee-night, Hold
on tight! Hold on tight! The
birds and bees and tiny fleas, Danced
in time together; The
badger pranced then fled to France. To
escape the wild, wild weather. Chorus And
then before the Springtime came Oh,
the darkest days arrived, Back
to their holes ran mice and moles To
stay safe and snug inside. And
then along came Summer time, Sweet
flowers bloomed so fair; The
schoolbells rang, the children sang, They
found their friends, played games again, They
climbed the trees with careless ease, The
sun it smiled and watched beguiled, Hope
and joy had filled the air! Chorus Hey,
fiddle-dee-day, There’s
good times on the way, Hey,
fiddle-dee-night, Hold
on tight! Hold on tight! The
moon it laughed for down below Mother
Earth sighed happily! And
every creature, every child Found
the world as it should be! Hey,
fiddle-dee-dee, Come
dance away with me, Hey,
fiddle-dee-fum, |
|
This pretty planet 🔊
This wonderful song by Tom Chapin
is more usually sung as a round. It is also sung as a lullaby. This amazing song went round the entire world
when it was one of the songs used to wake up the astronauts, including John
Glen, on the Discovery 7 space shuttle! 1.Make a
ball with hands, roll forearms round each other. 2. Make flower round face,
arms make waves, hands together as in prayer. 3. Lift arms up and outwards,
as in first line. 4. Hands to cheek, hold arms, Lift arms up and outwards. |
|
This pretty planet, spinning through space, Your garden, your harbour, your holy place. Golden sun going down, Gentle blue giant spin us around. All through the night, Safe ‘til the morning light. |
|
Tiffy one and Tiffy two 🔊
Here’s one for the
saints and singers among us. Which one are you?! Every child needs to feel
loved however they might have behaved; they need to know that in good or bad
times someone will always be there for them. There are discussion
points here to decide why some behaviours might be deemed ‘good’ or
‘inconsiderate’. Change ‘Tiffy’ to a
child’s name or one chosen by that child and insert behaviours that might be
relevant to a class or family group. Words and music by
Dany Rosevear inspired by a lively family visit. Raise a finger
each time a number is sung. Make expressive
faces or actions for each behaviour. |
Tiffy two’s a crosspatch too!
Tiffy three shares chips with me,
Tiffy four stamps on the floor!
Tiffy five sings lullabies, (Golden
slumbers interlude)
Tiffy six is up to tricks!
Tiffy seven was made in heaven,
Tiffy eight is always late!
Tiffy nine is very kind,
Tiffy ten’s in trouble again!
Tiffy ten or Tiffy nine,
Smile or scowl you’re always mine.
Growly grumps or cheerful you,
Happy hours or hullabaloo,
Love you, love you, yes I do!
|
Time just slips away 🔊
A nostalgic song - old friends,
what would we do without them! We make friends throughout out
lives and many we remember with great affection. As for many children, my father was
in the RAF, there was constant movement throughout my childhood; sad though
it was to leave friends behind there was always the excitement of making new
ones. As I got older it was much easier to keep in touch in one way or
another with those left behind; and even if decades had past, easy to pick up
the familiar threads that bound us once we met again. Words and music by Dany Rosevear. |
|
We need to talk, we need to walk, We need a friend indeed; At work or play to share the day, To help us on our way. But time slips by, the minutes fly, The weeks, the hours each day, Though love’s still there, And we really care, Time! Time! Time! Time! Time! Time! Time just slips away. |
|
Tiritomba 🔊
An Italian folk song and a cheerful song of the open air. It is also a
popular camp song and I became familiar with it at an International work camp
in Turkey when I was a young student in the 1960s. The English words here are by Fred Rendell. |
Far above us, far
above the sun is shining, As we climb the
mountain pathway. High above us, high
above the sun is shining, As it warms us on its
way. Chorus: Tiritomba, Tiritomba,
It’s the open air for you and me, Tiritomba, Tiritomba,
Now at last we can be free! In the clear sky we
can see the eagle soaring; As he scans the hill
below him. On his broad wings we
could fly away for ever; And never have to
rest. Chorus Far away there we can
see the river flowing, With the hills and
trees beside it. It will cool us as we
rest beside the waters, On our journey to the
west. Chorus |
|
Treasure 🔊
What is true treasure, the
inheritance we wish to leave our children and grandchildren? It’s Autumn here and there’s
treasure to be found: conkers, fallen leaves, acorns, watching squirrels
collect store them. Each season brings its treasure. In our commercial world treasure is
often defined as precious metal and gems rather than being thought of in a
wider context as things we do for each other, nature’s harvest and our
environment. Look around and name things that
might be precious to us individually and discuss your reasons for such a
choice. Words and music by Dany Rosevear. |
Let the children dream of a world that’s green, A world full of trees growing high; Where treasure’s not gold but the hills of old, Long walks on the wild, wild side. Together awhile where there’s laughter and
smiles, And nights under the starry skies. Let the children play and discover each day, Where all kinds of books can be found; Where treasure’s not gold but great stories told, Where wisdom and wonder abound; Where words ripple along as a river rolls on, Weaving magical strands around. Let the children go
where the fair winds blow, Where good health and
happiness thrive; Where treasure’s not
gold but kind hands to hold, Where love helps each
day go by. Where rainbows leap on
through the big beyond, And brave hearts take
wing and fly. |
|
Treasure hunt 🔊
A post nature walk circle game.
Recognise nature’s treasures in your surroundings. Words and music by Dany Rosevear. Children need to appreciate what we have been gifted in this wonderful world of ours before they can start understanding the fragility of our ecosystems and the need to preserve its longevity. Start with that step out of doors. Children will need firm guidance on which things they can collect on a ‘nature walk’ and what should be left undisturbed but drawn or pictured in their mind. Some ideas: Stop every so often and
count - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Can you name five treasures? Spring: lichen on a twig, moss, new
leaf, sticky buds, blossom Summer: dandelion clocks, feathers,
ladybirds, blade of grass, nettle Autumn: acorns, conker cases, coloured leaves, elderberries, old man’s
beard Winter: fir cones, bark, evergreen
leaves, skeleton leaves, pebbles Alternatively: Play I-Spy or a colour / texture hunt I love the
imagination hunt suggested by the woodland trust: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2020/01/nature-scavenger-hunts/
A partner song that would work well
with this is ‘Look up,
look down’ Once back in the classroom from a nature walk
each child holds their treasure, drawn, imagined or otherwise hidden in their
hand. Children walk round first one way then back in a circle then take turns
to enter the circle and say three things about their find, the others guess
what it might be. |
Let’s go walking, Walking, walking, Let’s go walking We’ll see nature’s
treasures all around; When we walk back
again, Back again, back
again, When we walk back
again, We’ll draw all the
treasures we have found. |
|
Tree of hope 🔊
‘A tree of hope’ is
often used by charities to raise the profile of those in need. This song was
inspired by an Ukranian arts project in Exeter that I pass on my way to swim,
there was a tree of hope standing in its window. This song is an appreciation
of the wonderful work that so many volunteers out there do every day to give
hope to so many. The tree is also the
strength and warmth that lives in all of us, the dove our hearts / conscience
that gives us hope when we gather together to talk about injustice and help
others. Words and music by
Dany Rosevear. |
There’s a tree, a mighty
tree,
A tree of hope where you can
find;
A steadfast strength and
comfort
Seeking good for every kind.
Way up high in its branches
Sits a little white dove,
Gather round and listen well,
For it speaks of peace and
love.
Gather round and listen well,
For it speaks of peace and
love.
|
Two little boats 🔊
For all those
wanderers on epic journeys. A song inspired by
recent sad events and strands of family history. Words and music by
Dany Rosevear. Epic journeys have
been common since humans began on the African continent, we are a wandering
race for all sorts of reasons. At this time of year
we think of biblical stories such as the journey of the Magi, Mary and
Joseph's trek to Bethlehem and their flight into Egypt; there are also
magnificent journeys in the Old Testament and the scriptures of other
religions. In my family one
Grandmother fled Russia during the Russian revolution, my other grandparent
escaped famine in Ireland, her three daughters married immigrants from a
Poland, Italy and France all with their own tales to tell. My Polish father
made an epic journey from a Russian gulag camp to England via Iran and
Palestine with ‘General
Anders' army. In both the the UK
and USA many families have similar tales to tell – all of us are immigrants
or descendants of immigrants even if from the far distant past. Sadly there are
still many perilous journeys being taken to escape danger and poverty all
over the world. |
There’s a star shining
bright,
Way up high in the night;
Follow that star in its
heavenly flight.
Where will it go?
Does anybody know?
But we know by its light,
There is safety in sight.
Off we sail in two darling
little boats,
Bobbing across starlit seas;
One is called Courage, the
other one Hope,
Carry us to sweet liberty.
Chorus
Speed little boats, set your
sails to the wind,
Run swiftly across stormy
seas;
We’ll shout and we’ll sing as
a new day begins,
For our hearts will be easy
and free.
Chorus
Thank you, dear star for your
kindly guiding light,
Thank you for calming our
fears,
For your comfort and presence
this very long, dark night,
As the shore nears we weep
joyful tears.
Chorus
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