For years before we had Baby R., one of our favorite hobbies around the house was singing snippets of random songs, usually inserting our cats’ names in place of the lyrics.

So after he was born, it was only natural for us to sing to him, and often.

We sing because it teaches him about language, we sing because it gives us something to say, we sing because music is important to our family.

I love singing to Baby R!

I do not, however, love Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. The Eensy Weensy Spider makes me want to scream. Old MacDonald actually makes my blood boil.

I realized early on in my child development career that I either had to endure endless repetitions of terrible songs, or I needed to find some songs that don’t make adults want to beat their heads against the wall.

Fortunately, there are many catchy tunes that are kid-friendly but won’t drive you bonkers! Read on for my top 5 favorite kids songs.

The Big Rock Candy Mountain (various artists)

Background

This was originally a folk song from the 1920’s about a hobo’s paradise. The original lyrics are not kid-appropriate, but, as many folk songs do, it inspired a variety of other versions, and is now a unique, but semi-popular kids folk song.

Why I Love It

There is something about this song that is just really pretty; the imagery of a wonderful, magical, candy-filled land always spoke to me as a child. It is lyrical and fun, and inspires the imagination to visualize a really cool place. It is one of my favorites to sing to Baby R.

Lyrics:

(There are many versions out there…these are the kid-friendly lyrics I have heard most often)

In the Big Rock Candy Mountains,

There’s a land that’s fair and bright

Where the goodies grow on bushes,

And you sleep out every night

Where friends are all around us

And the sun shines everyday

Oh I’m bound to go where there ain’t no snow

And the rain don’t fall and the wind don’t blow

In the Big Rock Candy Mountains

Oh, the buzzing of the bees and the peppermint trees

And the soda water fountains,

And the lemonade springs and the bluebird sings

In the Big Rock Candy Mountains

Visit this link for the tune and additional lyrics.

A Bushel and a Peck (by Frank Loesser)

Background

This song was originally featured on Broadway in Guys and Dolls (It is included in stage versions of the show, but it was replaced in the film with a different song). Since then it has been covered by many other artists, including Doris Day.

Why I Love It

This is arguably my favorite song to sing to Baby R for several reasons. It’s fun, upbeat, and silly. And who doesn’t want to sing about how much they love their baby? Plus, any song from a musical gets mega bonus points for a theatre nerd like me.

Enjoy the lovely Doris Day singing “Bushel and a Peck” here.

Buffalo Gals (various artists)

Background

“Buffalo Gals” was originally in a minstrel show in the mid 1800s and remained a very popular parlor song throughout time. Various adaptations mention other places (Alabama Girls, New York Gals, Boston Gals, etc.), but this is the most well-known version. You probably know it from It’s a Wonderful Life.

Why I Love It

This song is, quite simply, super catchy. It has the same benefit as more traditional kids music (repetitive phrases and rhyming) without being annoying. Plus, it definitely inspires clapping along, and babies love clapping! This one is Baby R’s favorite.

Lyrics

Buffalo Gals won’t you come out tonight,

Come out tonight, Come out tonight?

Buffalo Gals won’t you come out tonight,

And Dance by the light of the moon.

Yes, pretty boys we’ll come out tonight,

Come out tonight, Come out tonight.

Yes pretty boys we’ll come out tonight,

And dance by the light of the moon.

I danced with a gal with a hole in her stockin’

And her heel was a rockin’

And her toe was a knockin’

I danced with a gal with a hole in her stockin’

And we danced by the light of the moon.

Listen to it here!

Edelweiss (by Rodgers and Hammerstein)

Background

This one is a popular show tune from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music (did I mention that I am a theatre nerd?)

Why I Love It

Edelweiss is probably the prettiest song I have ever heard. I fell in love with it as a child while watching The Sound of Music and could not wait to pass that love on to my own child. I sing it to Baby R every night as I put him to bed.

Fun Fact: It is not, in fact, Austria’s national anthem…though for some reason I fully believed that it was for approximately 23 years.

In case you somehow don’t know it, or just because you should definitely listen to it again if you do, here it is, in all of its Captain Von Trapp glory.

 It’s a Big World (by Renee & Jeremy)

Background

This song is the title song of Renee & Jeremy’s first album, put out in 2007. If you don’t know who Renee & Jeremy are, you’re welcome, because they are going to change your life…or at least the way you look at kids music.

The Indie duo is dedicated to putting out music for families, and is absolutely the best band for kids that you will ever hear. It’s a Big World takes the cake for best kids album over any that I have ever heard. You also don’t want to miss out on A Little Love, a cover album of popular love songs sung sweetly and played peacefully.

I like to think of them as the Civil Wars of kids music.

If you are new to Renee & Jeremy, check out their website for a taste of their sound. You will not regret it.

Why I Love It

“It’s a Big World” is a sweet song that I never tire of singing. It contains simple vocabulary that is great for little ones (train, house, cloud, rain, etc.), a nice rhythm, and most importantly, a really sweet message.

It always reminds me that Baby R is only little for a very short time and that I need to soak in every second that I can. When he was in his very frustrating waking a million times in the middle of the night stage I would often sing it to soothe him and myself.

Check it out here, with an adorable animated video.

 Honorable Mentions:

Here is a list of other enjoyable songs to sing to your kiddo:

• Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair
• Billy Boy
• Oh Mr. Sun
• Froggy Went A Courtin
• Shortnin’ Bread

That’s it for my suggestions for bearable kids music! What songs do you like to sing to your little one? Comment below and tell me!

Posted on: December 26, 2018, by : admin