Oranges and Lemons
Oranges and lemons say the bells of St Clements
I owe you two farthing, say the bells of St Martins
When will you pay me, say the bells of Old Bailey
When I grow rich, say the bells of Shoreditch
When will that be, say the bells of Stepney
I do not know, says the Great Bell of Bow
This classic nursery rhyme is written in 6/8 or “lullaby” timing, which is very soothing. It is used in several children’s songs, including Girls and Boys Go Out To Play, and gives a feeling of rocking on a boat or in a hammock–like the swinging of a bell. Music has been shown medically to reduce the heart rate, which is particularly helpful for anxiety and stress, so singing while creating beautiful artwork is bound to be a winning combination!
My Bonnie
My Bonnie lies over the ocean
My Bonnie lies over the sea
My Bonnie lies over the ocean
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me
Bring back, oh bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Bring back, oh bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Oh blow ye waves over the ocean
Oh blow ye waves over the sea
Oh blow ye waves over the ocean
And bring back my Bonnie to me
This traditional sea shanty is also written in 6/8 “lullaby” timing, and much like “Rock A Bye Baby”, has a calming and relaxing effect. The repetition in the verses and chorus makes it easy to learn and sing along to, and the imagery of a boat sailing across the ocean provides many inspirational ideas that can be used to draw or paint.
Thank You For The Music
I’m nothing special I’m a bit of a bore
If I tell a joke, you’ve probably heard it before
But I have a talent, a wonderful thing
‘Cause everyone listens when I start to sing
I’m so grateful and proud
All I want is to sing it out loud
So I say, thank you for the music
The songs I’m singing
Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing
Who can live without it
I ask in all honesty
What would life be
Without a song, or a dance
What are we
So I say, thank you for the music
For giving it to me
This ABBA favourite is a wonderful song of hope, of ability, and an anthem in recognition of the myriad ways that music helps and improves life. While it is better for new singers to sing songs with notes that are close together, this song has notes quite far apart – the verse is quite low, and the chorus is a lot higher. So new singers may find that they can sing the middle of the song easier than the beginning – or perhaps the other way around. These types of songs are wonderful as listening pieces with the option to sing along – recognising that not everyone will be able to sing it successfully to start. Increasing opportunities to learn different styles of music, different types of songs, and different note combinations, is a gift that opens the mind to new experiences, building confidence and resilience in tackling new situations.
Early years music ideas like drawing to music can be a rewarding experience for both adults and children alike. It can provide a respite from demanding or challenging situations, while also freeing the mind to be in the moment, not anticipating the next steps. We would love to know how your group uses this activity!
