TAKE THE SEED songs for the growing child
by Barb Tilsen
2. Frogs Around the Pond (2:03)
3. Gray Wolf, Gray Wolf (2:07)
4. I’ve Got Peace in My Fingers (2:31)
5. Jack in the Box (:39)
6. I Shut the Door (1:42)
7. Little Caterpillar (:26)
8. Abracadabra (3:09)
9. Ring Around the Rosie Surprise (1:27)
10. The Little Grey Ponies (2:37)
11. Doggie Woggie Where’s Your Bone? (2:28)
12. Love Grows One By One (2:34)
13. A Tiny Little Seed (1:31)
14. The Flower’s Lullaby (3:35)
15. I Don’t Care if the Rain Comes Down (1:58)
16. Three Little Birds (3:15)
17. Pajarito (1:52)
18. Climbing Up the Apple Tree (:47)
19. Dancing Spring (4:11)
20. Blue Thumb (3:36)
21. Made by Hand (3:22)
22. Even Deep in Winter (2:57)
23. Tout ce que je veux – La paix (3:07)
24. Bom Bom Biddy (2:04)
25. Lucia Day (3:27)
26. Kwanzaa Poem/Harambee (1:59)
27. La La Salama (2:10)
28. If Not Me, Then Who? (2:16)
1. Seed (2:32)
by Sandy O © 2002 Moving Forward Music BMI
Sandy’s beautiful song resonates for me on so many levels touching on what connects all the songs together on this recording–take the seed that you have, the dream, the song and give it love, give it love!
Take the seed that you have and plant it here
Give it water and time for a day or a year
Take the seed that you have and plant it here
Give it love, give it love
CHORUS:
Give it love, give it love
Give it love, give it love
Give it love, give it love
Give it love, give it love
Take the dream that you have and dream it here
Give it courage and time for a day or a year
Take the dream that you have and dream it here
Give it love, give it love
CHORUS
Take the song that you have and sing it here
Give it strength and time for a day or a year
Take the song that you have and sing it here
Give it love, give it love CHORUS
CHORUS
2. Frogs Around the Pond (2:03)
by Barbara Tilsen © 2006
I wrote this song one beautiful summer afternoon in 2003 sitting under the trees in my backyard with the sun shining in a big blue sky and a gentle breeze blowing. It was a lovely day to get carried away in a musical reverie playing with words and frogs and a big blue pond. This is fun to sing with the children sitting in a circle, each on their own ‘lily pad’ catching flies with their long, sticky tongues; ready to jump into the pond in the middle of our circle, to dance in their most ‘froggy-like’ way!
Sitting on a lily pad
Dreaming in the sun
Watching, waiting patiently
Frog is having fun
Little fly comes buzzing by
Riding on a breeze
Frog darts out a sticky tongue
Gulping down with ease
Rib a dib a dib a dib a dib a dib a doo
Rib a dib a dib a dib a doo, Oh!
Rib a dib a dib a dib a dib a dib a doo
Rib a dib a dib a dib a doo!
Along comes another fly
Then two, three and four
All the hungry, little frogs
Gobble up some more
Puffing out their bulgy throats
Croaking harmony
They croon an amphibious
Slimy symphony
Rib a dib a dib a dib a dib a dib a doo
Rib a dib a dib a dib a doo, Oh!
Rib a dib a dib a dib a dib a dib a doo
Rib a dib a dib a dib a doo!
Then they jump into the pond
Diving cool and deep
Landing on their lily pads
With a dancing leap
Rr-bb-tt-ing, they flip and flop
In their froggy way
Frolicking around the pond
On a summer’s day
Rib a dib a dib a dib a dib a dib a doo
Rib a dib a dib a dib a doo, Oh!
Rib a dib a dib a dib a dib a dib a doo
Rib a dib a dib a dib a doo!
3. Gray Wolf, Gray Wolf (2:07)
by Barbara Tilsen and Mrs. Lund’s 2nd grade class, Stevens Elementary, Dawson MN © 2015
Second graders in Dawson MN wrote this song with me during a musical arts residency on the environment in 2009. I worked with K-2 students in the school, our theme in the second grade was endangered species. We enjoyed learning and writing about the recovering wolf population in Minnesota.
Gray wolf, gray wolf, wild and free
Once you roamed the whole country
How did your numbers get so low
How did they come back and grow
CHORUS:
You are part of the circle of life
We are part of the circle of life
All one family, circle of life
Your family is a little wolf pack
Deer and moose you like to snack
What you leave behind feeds so many more
Keeping the balance is what you’re for CHORUS
You run forty miles without a rest
Howling at the moon you do the best
We’ve learned to protect your habitat
I like you and I’m glad you’re back CHORUS
4. I’ve Got Peace in My Fingers (2:31)
by Susan Salidor © 1995
Susan is a good friend and a really wonderful songwriter. This is one of her most beloved songs making its happy way around the world, and I’m so glad to include it here.
I’ve got peace, peace, peace in my fingers
Watch what I can do!
I’ve got peace, peace, peace in my fingers
I’m gonna shake hands with you!
(Repeat)
I’ve got words, words, words in my head
Watch what I can do!
I’ve got words, words, words in my head
I’m gonna talk thing over with you!
(Repeat)
I’ve got love, love, love in my heart
Watch what I can do!
I’ve got love, love, love in my heart
I’m gonna give some to you!
(Repeat)
I’ve got peace, peace, peace in my fingers
Words, words, words in my head
I’ve got love, love, love in my heart
I’m gonna give some to you!
5. Jack in the Box (:39)
By LUCILLE F. WOOD and LOUISE B. SCOTT
©1961 (Reserved) BOWMAR PUBLICATIONS
All Rights Assigned to and Controlled by ALFRED MUSIC. All Rights Reserved
Toddlers and preschoolers alike love this song, such a playful way to introduce and sing the scale! The Children’s Music Network has an email list that is such a rich resource of songs, techniques and discussions about doing music with children’s. Members generously share songs and ideas that have worked well for them, and that’s where I first came across this song.
Jack in the box
Still as a mouse
Way down deep
In your little dark house
Jack in the box
Staying so still
Won’t you come out?
Yes, I will!
6. I Shut the Door (1:42)
lyrics traditional, tune by Debbie Carroll © 2004 SOCAN
Another toddler and preschool favorite, I love the tune Debbie wrote for this traditional finger play, striking just the right balance between playful tension and delightful anticipation! Begin with hands spread wide apart and clap on “shut,” hold hands together, fingers folded over on “lock it tight.” Put pointer finger behind back on “key right out of sight,” bring it back out on “find the key,” and turn your finger on the palm of your other hand for “turn and turn.” Hands together for “then I open the door.” On the “creak” slowly spread the hands farther and farther apart. I often ask the children in my classes what’s behind their door? Lots of fun and funny surprises, of course!
I shut the door
And I lock it tight
I put the key right out of sight
I find the key to open the door
And I turn and I turn and I turn some more
And then I open the door
Creeeeeeaaaaaak!
7. Little Caterpillar (:26)
words by Barbara Tilsen, tune: Itsy Bitsy Spider © 2015
There’s something so intriguing about a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly, especially as such a powerful metaphor for change. I wrote this song in the mid-1990’s and recorded it on my first recording, Make a Circle Like the Sun. I include it here with one important change. Freely add snores and hand motions that the words suggest!
The little caterpillar was looking for some lunch
Crawling through the leaves “MUNCH, MUNCH, MUNCH!”
She spun a chrysalis and wrapped herself inside
And when it was time to wake she was a beautiful butterfly!
8. Abracadabra (3:09)
by Barbara Tilsen ©2006
I love songs that children can dance and move to with playful lyrics that spark the imagination. I really had fun writing this song, and especially enjoy singing it when children fly, stomp, slither, prance and dance with bright, colorful scarves.
Abracadabra swazzy wazzy word
I’m gonna change you into a Bird POOF!
Spread your wings and soar up high
Flying free in the big blue sky
Abracadabra swazzy wazzy woo
Time to change back into you POOF!
Abracadabra swazzy wazzy welephant
I’m going to change you into an Elephant POOF!
Lift your trunk up to the sun
Swinging, swaying foot-stomping fun
Abracadabra swazzy wazzy woo
Time to change back into you POOF!
Abracadabra swazzy wazzy wake
I’m going to change you into a Snake POOF!
Hiss and slither, spiral ‘round
Wiggling giggling up and down
Abracadabra swazzy wazzy woo
Time to change back into you POOF!
Abracadabra swazzy wazzy woarse
I’m going to change you into a Horse POOF!
Tossing tails float in the breeze
Dancing, prancing quick as you please
Abracadabra swazzy wazzy woo
Time to change back into you POOF!
Abracadabra swazzy wazzy wagon
I’m going to change you into a Dragon POOF!
Flashing eyes whirl roundabout
Fiery flame shooting from your snout
Abracadabra swazzy wazzy woo
Time to change back into you POOF!
9. Ring Around the Rosie Surprise (1:27)
traditional, adapted by Barbara Tilsen © 2015
I decided to add some lively surprises to this classic children’s song so we could keep dancing in our circle just a little bit longer! “Ring Around the Rosie” has gotten a bum rap for a long time being associated with the plague of the Middle Ages, something that folk historians currently refute. You can google its history for more info!
Ring around the rosie
Pocket full of posies
Ashes, ashes
Let’s all stomp our feet!
Ring around the rosie
Pocket full of posies
Ashes, ashes
Let’s all swing our arms!
Ring around the rosie
Pocket full of posies
Ashes, ashes
Let’s all jump up and down!
Ring around the rosie
Pocket full of posies
Ashes, ashes
Let’s all shout hurray!
Ring around the rosie
Pocket full of posies
Ashes, ashes
Let’s all fall down!
10. The Little Grey Ponies (2:37)
traditional, adapted by Barbara Tilsen © 2015
The ‘Pony Song’ has been one of the most popular songs ever in my early childhood classes. It’s a traditional dancing song, and a great one to explore tempo with imaginative play. I adapted it by extending the verses so children have enough time to kick up their heels and horse around! We usually brainstorm what kind of ponies we’ll be today, and often settle on three groups who each dance in turn, with all the ponies out in the meadow prancing and dancing together at the end.
All the little ponies looked out of their barn
They wanted to come out and play
All the little ponies looked out of their barn
They wanted to come out and play
They wanted to come out and play
They wanted to come out and play
All the little ponies looked out of their barn
They wanted to come out and play
Then the dappled grey ponies jumped over the fence
And galloped and galloped away
The the dappled grey ponies jumped over the fence
And galloped and galloped away
They galloped and galloped away
They galloped and galloped away
Then the dappled grey ponies walked back to their barn
Time to go home and stay
Then, the rainbow ponies jumped over the fence
And galloped and galloped away
The the rainbow ponies jumped over the fence
And galloped and galloped away
They galloped and galloped away
They galloped and galloped away
Then the rainbow ponies walked back to their barn
Time to go home and stay
Then, the firecracker ponies jumped over the fence
And galloped and galloped away
The the firecracker ponies jumped over the fence
And galloped and galloped away
They galloped and galloped away
They galloped and galloped away
Then the firecracker ponies walked back to their barn
Time to go home and stay
Then, all the little ponies jumped over the fence
And galloped and galloped away
All the little ponies jumped over the fence
And galloped and galloped away
They galloped and galloped away
They galloped and galloped away
Then all the little ponies walked back to their barn
Time to go home and stay
11. Doggie Woggie Where’s Your Bone? (2:28)
traditional children’s game, music by Barbara Tilsen © 2015
I wrote my own melody for this traditional children’s game. All the children sit in a circle, with one child–Doggie Woggie–sitting in the middle, eyes covered and head down, while the bone is given to one of the other children. Everyone puts their hands behind their back, and while we sing the song Doggie Woggie goes up to a child and with a “woof! woof!” asks if they have the bone. Doggie Woggie has three chances to find the bone. The child hiding the bone becomes the new Doggie Woggie and the old doggie gives the bone to a new child to hide behind their back as the game goes on!
Doggie woggie where’s your bone?
Somebody stole it from your home
Guess three times now if you can
Who’s got that bone in their hand
Guess once, uh uh uh uh
Guess twice, uh uh uh uh
Three times is all you’ve got
To guess who’s got that bone
12. Love Grows One By One (2:34)
by Carol Johnson © l981, Noeldner Music, BMI
1st verse by Barbara Tilsen
I wrote the first verse to Carole’s beautiful song for a musical arts residency I did with 2nd graders at a Minneapolis elementary school about planting gardens and friendship in 1998.
CHORUS:
Love grows one by one
Two by two and four by four
Love grows ’round like a circle
And comes back knockin’ at your front door
Seed by seed our garden grows
If we plant and tend it
Like a garden love can bloom
Planting seeds of friendship CHORUS
Note by note we make a song
Voice by voice we sing it
Choir by choir we fill up the world
With the music that we bring it CHORUS
So let me take your hand, my friend
We’ll each take the hand of another
One by one we’ll reach for all
Our sisters and our brothers CHORUS
13 A Tiny Little Seed (1:31)
words by Barbara Tilsen, tune: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, © 2015
The ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ lyrics we are so familiar with are originally from a poem called “The Star” by English poet Jane Taylor published in 1806. The tune to this classic nursery rhyme comes from an older18th century French song “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman.” I find this sweet melody lends itself so easily to new little songs of my own just like the one included here!
A tiny little seed lies sleeping in the ground
The warm spring rain comes tumbling down
The bright sun shines down upon the earth
The little seed wakes, it’s time for birth
Starts to grow so happily
A beautiful blossom for you and me
14. The Flower’s Lullaby (3:35)
by Barbara Tilsen © 2011
Puppeteer Margo McCreary, photographer Gayla Ellis and I created the musical puppet show, “Ring Around the Rain Garden,” to perform about environmental issues in our community. This is one of several songs I wrote for this engaging tale. Puppet Ollie McNut’s backyard has been trampled by visiting dragons who’ve come to party after the dragon parade. He’s discouraged by all the damage to his grass and flowers and is considering paving the whole thing over until a wise little flower’s song helps him tune in to the natural world and what he truly understands deep inside. In my family, lulu means ‘love you.’
Flower petals cradle you
Gently swaying breeze
Drowsy honeyed melodies
Hum the buzzy bees
La-la la-la lul-la-by
Loo-loo la-la loo
La-la la-la la-la lul-la-by
Lullaby for you
Wild and wistful wondering
Bloom to roots so deep
Rhythms of a quiet day
Rocking you to sleep CHORUS
Slipping, sliding deeper down
Sailing hidden streams
Opening new ways to see
Reveal rippling dreams CHORUS
Following life’s ebb and flow
Dozing reverie
Dowsing for an inner truth
It will set you free CHORUS
Flower blossoms shelter you
All your sorrows ease
Journey of the heart and soul
Sparkling path to peace CHORUS
15. I Don’t Care if the Rain Comes Down (1:58)
by Patty Zeitlin © Bullfrog Ballades (ASCAP). Administered by Downtown DLJ Songs (ASCAP) on behalf of Budde Music Inc. (ASCAP)
Patty has written a number of wonderful songs during her years as a preschool teacher. This is one of my favorites, great with infants, toddlers and preschoolers alike.
I don’t care if the rain comes down
I’m going to dance all day
I don’t care if the rain comes down
I’m going to dance all day
Hey, hey carry me away
I’m going to dance all day
Hey, hey carry me away
I’m going to dance all day
Going to clap my hands with a quiet sound
I’m going to dance all day
Going to clap my hands with a loud sound
I’m going to dance all day
Hey, hey carry me away
I’m going to dance all day
Hey, hey carry me away
I’m going to dance all day
Going to roll my hands round and round
I’m going to dance all day
Going to roll my hands fast around
I’m going to dance all day
Hey, hey carry me away
I’m going to dance all day
Hey, hey carry me away
I’m going to dance all day
Going to reach up to the sky sky
I’m going to dance all day
Going to reach up to the sky sky
I’m going to dance all day
Hey, hey carry me away
I’m going to dance all day
Hey, hey carry me away
I’m going to dance all day
Going to flap my wings and fly, fly
I’m going to dance all day
Going to flap my wings and fly, fly
I’m going to dance all day
Hey, hey carry me away
I’m going to dance all day
Hey, hey carry me away
I’m going to dance all day
16. Three Little Birds (3:15)
by Bob Marley © Kobalt Music Pub America I OBO Blue Mountain Music Ltd
My favorite thing about this song is that children and adults alike really love to sing these simple yet wise words from one of the great songwriters of our times.
CHORUS:
Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing is gonna be alright
Singing don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing is gonna be alright
Rise up this morning
Smile with the rising sun
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singing sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true
Saying ‘this is my message to you’
Singing don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing is gonna be alright
Singing don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing is gonna be alright
17. Pajarito (1:52)
traditional
I learned this lovely song in Spanish from my good friend, Sarah Pirtle. Such a fun way to learn new Spanish words and get up and move! It may have been adapted from an old tune found by my wonderful song-sleuthing friend, Brigid Finucane—a traditional song from the 19th century called “Little Birdie in the Tree” by Paul Phillip Bliss. A great example of how folk tunes make their way through space and time loved, used, and adapted by wherever people sing them!
Spoken:
Little bird, do you want to sing?
Pajarito ¿quieres cantar?
Pajarito, cantas tú, cantas tú , cantas tú
Pajarito, cantas tú, cantas para mí
Little bird, do you want to hop?
Pajarito ¿quieres saltar?
Pajarito, saltas tú, saltas tú , saltas tú
Pajarito, saltas tú, saltas para mí
Little bird, do you want to dance?
Pajarito ¿quieres bailar?
Pajarito, bailas tú, bailas tú, bailas tú
Pajarito, bailas tú, bailas para mí
Little bird, do you want to fly?
Pajarito ¿quieres volar?
Pajarito, vuelas tú, vuelas tú, vuelas tú
Pajarito, vuelas tú, vuelas para mí
Little bird, do you want to sing?
Pajarito ¿quieres cantar?
Pajarito, cantas tú, cantas tú , cantas tú
Pajarito, cantas tú, cantas para mí
18. Climbing Up the Apple Tree (:47)
words by Ruth Dowell, music by Barbara Tilsen © 2015
”Mother Ruth” Dowell is the author of numerous poems and finger plays for young children. I set this poem to music, it’s one of my favorites of any she’s written. I love its gentle whimsical imagery and the flight of fancy it inspires. In my music classes it’s also been a great launching pad to create a story together. We’ve had many delightful adventures with our sparrow wings!
Climbing up the apple tree
Swinging on a limb
If I hear a robin
I may sing along with him (tra-la-la)
Robin if you fly away
Here’s what I think I’ll do
I’ll wish a pair of sparrow wings
And fly away with you
19. Dancing Spring (4:11)
words by Barbara Tilsen, music by Scott Malchow © 2015
Poetry and song can be a powerful combination to inspire creative dance. I wrote this for all the little blooming flowers of spring dancing in our midst. Divide the children into three groups – the seeds, the sun, and the rain. The seed group begins in the center crouched on the floor with head down, hands and feet tucked under. First the sun group, then the rain group, dance around the seeds in turn as their music plays. Then the seeds have their turn to move, growing and blooming. I usually invite everyone to come dance The Flower Dance together at the end!
Green growing, beautiful blooming Spring!
It begins with a little seed sleeping in the cool dark earth
Here comes the sun. Listen to the sun music
Little Sunbeams! Come dance!
Golden, gentle, smooth and slow
Melting blankets of frozen snow
Warm the sleeping earth with your
Spreading solar soft embrace
Sunbeams, shine!
Glowing, flowing, dancing, prancing
Welcome the waiting seeds!
Now comes the rain. Listen to the rain music
Little raindrops! Come dance!
Rolling thunder, lightening clash!
Twinkle, sprinkle raindrops flash
Pitter patter, swirl and splatter
Down to the thirsty earth
Water Dancer, twirl and turn
Circling earth and sky
Shimmering showers wet and wild
Drumming ancient songs
Dance, Raindrops, dance!
The song of the seed!
Little Seeds! Your time has come! Wake up!
The Sun has warmed you, the rain has watered you
Let your tender shoots rise up through the rich dark earth
Wake up! Send out your stem, unfurl your leaves
Seek the wind, the rain the springtime sun
Lift your beautiful blossom faces to the big blue sky
Dance the Flower Dance!
The Dance of the Seed!
The Dance of Life!
20. Blue Thumb (3:36)
by Barbara Tilsen © 2015
This is another song I wrote for our musical puppet show,”Ring Around the Rain Garden.” There is an amazing project in our neighborhood encouraging folks to plant rain gardens to study their impact on cleaning up the lake in the park right by where we live.
Come take a walk round my neighborhood
You’ll see rain gardens doing some good
Designed to capture falling rain
Keep it out of the sewer drain
Neighbors planting, doing our part
A labor of love right from the heart
Chorus:
With my
Blue thumb, I’ll plant a rain garden
Blue thumb gonna help it grow
Blue thumb, I’ll plant a rain garden
Water come down to the earth below
Water come down to the earth below
Cities are full of a lot of concrete
Sidewalks, parking lots, buildings and streets
Water runs off to sewers below
But there’s more hiding in the flow
Gas and oil, lots of debris
Stream to river to the big blue sea CHORUS
Dig a rain garden just like a bowl
And catch raindrops in the shallow hole
Water will seep into the ground
Getting clean as it filters down
(Down) through the soil it will sink
Deep roots give earth water to drink CHORUS
Rain gardens are home, a habitat
To frogs, snakes, toads, small critters like that
Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies
A feast of flowers for the eyes
(We) share this earth, all living things
A blue thumb song we all can sing CHORUS
21. Made by Hand (3:22)
by Bruce O’Brien © 1994, adapted by Barbara Tilsen
Soloists: Anaka Toles, Rayah Tilsen Toles, Sam Lehne, Shayla Tilsen
For many years I’ve led instrument-making projects using recycled materials with children in the classroom and in the community. I usually write a new verse to Bruce’s terrific song for whatever instrument we’re making. Here are some of the instruments that have been the most fun.
By hand, made by hand
Made by hand, made by hand
I made a critter clacker with two flat paint sticks
A long one, a short one, made to go click
Google-y eyes, markers, in colorful bands
Clacking your own beat, made by hand
By hand, made by hand
Made by hand, made by hand
I made my little shaker filled with beans and rice
In two little film cans, taped up real nice
Colorful stickers, it sounds so grand
Shakin’ my shaker, made by hand
By hand, made by hand
Made by hand, made by hand
I made my den-den drum, I found all I need
A box on a stick, bright yarn and some beads
Tap your own rhythm, jug or metal pan
Design your own drum, made by hand
By hand, made by hand
Made by hand, made by hand
I made my little rainstick with shiny tin foil
Rolled inside a tube, a twisted long coil
Popcorn, rice and seeds fall slow as they can
Turning my rainstick, made by hand
By hand, made by hand
Made by hand, made by hand
Oh, make a home-made band, you can feel so proud
Take some time, make a rhyme, sing it out loud
Re-use, recycle whenever you can
Singing and clapping, made by hand
By hand, made by hand
Made by hand, made by hand
22. Even Deep in Winter (2:57)
by Stuart Stotts © 2015 BMI
Stuart is one of the most gifted songwriters I know as well as a very dear friend. His songs are a treasure with their ability to consistently touch us. This song speaks to me so deeply about the hopeful promise of spring in the heart of winter.
Even deep in winter the sun will rise
The sun will rise, the sun will rise
Even deep in winter the sun will rise
Even on the darkest days
Even deep in winter the birds will sing
The birds will sing, the birds will sing
Even deep in winter the birds will sing
Even on the darkest days
Even deep in winter love will grow
Love will grow, love will grow
Even deep in winter love will grow
Even on the darkest days
Even deep in winter the sun will rise
The birds will sing, love will grow
Even deep in winter the sun will rise
Even on the darkest days
23. Tout ce que je veux—La paix (3:07)
by Charlotte Diamond 1984 SOCAN © Charlotte Diamond Music
Adapted by Barbara Tilsen, with permission by Charlotte Diamond Music
Soloists: Anaka Toles and Emma Nowacki
A number of years ago, as we were getting ready for a winter family performance, Miniapple Montessori teacher Najat Ajaraam suggested that our students sing the chorus to Charlotte’s beautiful song as a stand-alone piece by itself. I realized the chorus was a perfect place to add many different kinds of wishes for peace in our world. We’ve sung it this way ever since.
All I really want is peace in the world
Peace in my heart and in my family
Tout ce que je veux
La paix dans le monde
Dans mon coeur et dans ma famille
Tout ce que je veux
La paix dans le monde
Dans mon coeur et dans ma famille
All I really want is love in the world
Love in my heart and in my family
Tout ce que je veux
L’amour dans le monde
Dans mon coeur et dans ma famille
Tout ce que je veux
L’amour dans le monde
Dans mon coeur et dans ma famille
All I really want is friendship in the world
Friendship in my heart and in my family
Tout ce que je veux
L’amitié dans le monde
Dans mon coeur et dans ma famille
Tout ce que je veux
L’amitié dans le monde
Dans mon coeur et dans ma famille
All I really want is peace in the world
Peace in my heart and in my family
Tout ce que je veux
La paix dans le monde
Dans mon coeur et dans ma famille
Tout ce que je veux
La paix dans le monde
Dans mon coeur et dans ma famille
24. Bom Bom Biddy (2:04)
Traditional Jewish Niggun
I learned this song from my good friend Susan Salidor from Chicago. So fun to add whatever motion or sound you want as the song goes on! A great song any time of year, but one we especially enjoy singing during Hannukah!
Bom bom bom bom biddy biddy bom
Biddy bom biddy biddy bom bom bom (sh!)
Bom bom bom bom biddy biddy bom
Biddy bom biddy biddy bom bom bom (sh!)
Bom bom biddy biddy bom
Biddy bom biddy biddy bom bom bom (sh!)
Bom bom biddy biddy bom
Biddy bom biddy biddy bom bom bom (sh!)
Each time you sing the verse change the sound or motion…snap…clap…or add a meow and bark as Susan does in her fun version of this song.
25. Lucia Day (3:27)
by Barbara Tilsen © 2006
Santa Lucia celebrations are such lovely December traditions in Sweden and in Swedish-American homes that begin the Christmas season. My youngest daughter wore the Lucia crown in our household. The two of us would get up at dawn and visit each family member’s room bringing hot chocolate, Lucia buns, and the traditional Santa Lucia song. This song has been a favorite choice in several of my classes over the years for winter family programs the children have performed.
CHORUS:
Lucia
Shining bright
Lucia
Welcome back the light!
Early in the morning
A cold December day
Crown aglow with candles
Lucia lights the way
Singing girls follow
Sweet voices fill the air
Lucia Day is here, they’re
Bringing food to share CHORUS
Turning of the seasons
Starlight and moonbeams
Lovely peaceful darkness
Cradles hopes and dreams
Beauty of the sunrise
Longest winter nights
Heralding the new day
Lucia, Child of Light CHORUS
Little girls in houses
Young women in the towns
Each becomes Lucia
Wearing candle crowns
Star Boys and Tomten
Gingersnaps, saffron bread
Sparkling dawn procession
Wake up sleepyheads
FINAL CHORUS:
Lucia
Shining bright
Lucia
Welcome back the light!
In the dark sacred night!
Welcome back the light!
26. Kwanzaa Poem/Harambee (1:59)
by Barbara Tilsen © 2015
poem: Kyah Tilsen
Harambee! is Swahili for unity, “let’s all pull together to see what we can make.” I wrote this poem in 1995 and song in 1994 to sing with children about the beautiful African-American seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa in December.
Seven candles shining bright
Seven candles that we light
Seven thoughts for seven days
To guide and help show us the way
Harambee!
One candle is black – black!
Three candles are red – red!
Three candles are green – green!
Light our way, light our way
And we say, and we say Harambee! Harambee!
27. La La Salama (2:10)
by Stuart Stotts © 2015 BMI
La La Salama is a way to say good night in Swahili, as is Usiku Mwema. Stuart wrote this beautiful lullaby while visiting Africa.
La La Salama. Lion Pajama.
Crocodile Clock. Elephant Light.
La La Salama. Lullaby Mama
Sings You to Sleep in the African Night.
Usiku Mwema
Usiku Mwema.
28. If Not Me, Then Who? (2:16)
by Carol Johnson © 1999 Noeldner Music, BMI
soloist: Rayah Tilsen Toles
I love the way Carol’s lovely song poses the personal question that lies at the heart of how we build a peaceful world.
If not me, then who?
If not now, then when?
If not here, then where
Will peace begin?
I am where peace begins.
It’s me that’s who
It’s now that’s when
It’s here that’s where
Peace begins
I am where peace begins.
If not me, then who?
If not now, then when?
If not here, then where
Will peace begin?
I am where peace begins.
total running time: 67 minutes 15 seconds