Post on 01-Sep-2018
A Place to Stand
Give us a place to stand And a place to grow
And call this land Ontario. A place to live
For you and me With hopes as high As the tallest tree.
Give us a land of lakes and a land of snow
And we will build Ontario A place to stand, a place to grow
Ontari-ari-ari-o !
From western hills, To northern shores.
To Niagara Falls, Where the waters roar.
Give us a land of peace, Where the free winds blow. And we will build Ontario
A place to stand, a place to grow Ontari-ari-ari-o !
Alberta Hiking Song
Come away with me over hill and dale as we go hiking down the trail.
The sky’s so blue, the sun’s so bright, we will hike from morn to night.
We will hike through woods of summer green and over hills we’ve not yet seen, Around the bend through meadow and glade and rest in quiet shade.
We will come back here when we tire, to sit around the blazing fire
With a song and a tale of the day gone by.
We will sing ‘neath the starry sky..
Alouette
All: Alouette, Gentille Alouette
Alouette, Je te plumerai
Leader: Je te plumerai la tête
All: Je te plumerai la tête
Leader: Et la tête
All: Et la tête
Leader: Alouette
All: Alouette
Oh, oh, oh, oh... Alouette, Gentille Alouette
Alouette, Je te plumerai
Leader: Je te plumerai les yeux
All: Je te plumerai les yeux
Leader: Et les yeux
All: Et les yeux
Leader: Et la tête
All: Et la tête
Leader: Alouette
All: Alouette
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
Other parts: La tête - head
Les yeux - eyes
Le nez - nose
Les oreilles - ears
La bouche - mouth
Le cou - neck
Les mains - hands
Les bras - arms
Le dos - back
Les pattes - legs
Les pieds - feet Les orteilles - toes
Action: for each body part called, touch it while singing the appropriate line in the song. (source: "Canciones de Nuestra Cabana", World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, 1980; also in "The Kids'
Campfire Book", Jane Drake and Ann Love, Kids Can Press, 1996.)
Au Claire de la Lune
"Au clair de la lune,
Mon ami Pierrot,
Prête-moi ta plume
Pour écrire un mot.
Ma chandelle est morte,
Je n'ai plus de feu.
Ouvre-moi ta porte
Pour l'amour de Dieu."
Au clair de la lune,
Pierrot répondit :
"Je n'ai pas de plume,
Je suis dans mon lit.
Va chez la voisine,
Je crois qu'elle y est,
Car dans sa cuisine
On bat le briquet."
Au clair de la lune,
L'aimable Lubin;
Frappe chez la brune,
Elle répond soudain :
–Qui frappe de la sorte?
Il dit à son tour :
–Ouvrez votre porte,
Pour le Dieu d'Amour.
Au clair de la lune,
On n'y voit qu'un peu.
On chercha la plume,
On chercha du feu.
En cherchant d'la sorte,
Je n'sais c'qu'on trouva;
Mais je sais qu'la porte
Sur eux se ferma
"By the light of the moon,
My friend Pierrot,
Lend me your quill
To write a word.
My candle is dead,
I have no more fire.
Open your door for me
For the love of God."
By the light of the moon,
Pierrot replied:
"I don't have any pens,
I am in my bed
Go to the neighbor's,
I think she's there
Because in her kitchen
Someone is lighting the fire."
By the light of the moon
Likeable Lubin
Knocks on the brunette's door.
She suddenly responds:
– Who's knocking like that?
He then replies:
– Open your door
for the God of Love!
By the light of the moon
One could barely see
The pen was looked for,
The light was looked
for.
With all that looking
I don't know what was
found,
But I do know that the
door
Shut itself on them.
Ballad of the Bluenose
Well now gather 'round and I'll tell you true
'Bout the ghost of a legend and the waters she's been through
Out of Lunenburg she was born to fame
With her crew unsung, never to complain
She was lightning on the wind the Bluenose was her name
Barely one year old when she had her way
Outsailed the finest ships in Nova Scotia of the day
And the word had spread and by fall she'd be
With her mainsail high, through the wind and waves
Sailing home from Gloucester hailed the fastest of the sea
So fare thee well, now be on your way
Fare thee well with the light of day
Fare thee well through the mist and sea
Sail your way home to me
More than ninety-nine tons she displaced with ease
And she proved the greatest miracle to ever catch a breeze
But still every year she would earn her keep
Where the Grand Banks heave and the storms contrive
She would fill her hold with bounty of the deep
Well the decades glide and her prowess grew
And long the list of schooners who could never follow through
But as time drew on and with bills to pay
Sad misfortune led to the southern sea
And now her papers read, "West Indies Trading Company"
(CHORUS)
"Twas a cruel day back in forty-six
Just off the coast of Haiti was the devil playing tricks
On an unmarked reef underneath the blue
There she came to rest, lying brave and true
A thousand miles or more from where her dreams were cast anew
Then from Lunenburg down to Gloucester town
And all across the ocean to her northern fishing ground
For that one long day, yea the wind stood still
As the rigging creaked, you could feel her pain
Like a ghostly voice was echoing that Bluenose was her name
(CHORUS)
Barges
Out of my window, looking in the night I can see the barges flickering light Silently flows the river to the sea
And the barges too go silently
Chorus:
Barges, I would like to go with you
I would like to sail the ocean blue
Barges, have you treasures in your hold
Do you fight with pirates brave and bold?
Out of my window, looking in the night I can see the barges flickering light Starboard shines green and port is
glowing red
I can see them flickering far ahead
Thanks to Sarah Wishert, here's a 3rd verse of Barges:
How my heart longs to sail away with you
As you sail across the ocean blue
But I must sit beside my window dear And watch you sail away from here
Thanks to Rebecca Saint for these extra verses!
Out of my window looking in the night I can see the barges flickering light
Harbour ahead and anchorage in view
I will find my resting place with you
Away from my window on into the night
I will watch 'til they are out of sight Taking their cargo far across the sea
How I'd wish that someday they would take me
Thanks to Colleen Beaupre for this extra verse!
Out of my window looking through the night I can see the barges flickering light People are sailing far and far away
And I hope to go with them one day
Beaver Song
(actions in brackets; this song is more chanted than sung, there's no particular tune)
Beaver one, beaver all, let's all do the beaver crawl Ch ch ch, ch ch ch, ch ch ch, ch ch ch (make "beaver teeth" with fingers, move hands alternately up
and down on each "ch")
Beaver two, beaver three, let's all climb the beaver tree
Ch ch ch, ch ch ch, ch ch ch, ch ch ch (tree climbing action on each "ch")
Beaver four, beaver five, let's all do, the beaver jive
Ch ch ch, ch ch ch, ch ch ch, ch ch ch (John Travolta dance on each "ch")
Beaver six, beaver seven, let's all go to beaver heaven
Ch ch ch, ch ch ch, ch ch ch, ch ch ch (flap arms like wings on each "ch")
Beaver eight, beaver nine, STOP! It's beaver time! Ch ch ch, ch ch ch, ch ch ch, ch ch ch (spin around in circles)
Canada’s Far North
Day is done, still the sun, Shines on lakes, on the hills, and in the sky,
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Canadian Boat Song
Listen to me, as when ye heard our father Sing long ago the song of other shores- Listen to me, and then in chorus gather All your deep voices as ye pull the oars; Fair these broad meads – these hoary woods are grand; But we are exiles from our father’s land. From the lone shieling of the misty island Mountains divide us, and the waste of seas – Yet still the blood is strong, the heart is the Highland, And we in dreams behold the Hebrides. Fair these broad meads – these hoary woods are grand; But we are exiles from our father’s land. We ne’er shall tread the fancy-haunted valley, Where ‘tween the dark hills creeps the small clear stream, In arms around the patriarch banner rally, Nor see the moon on royal tombstone gleam. Fair these broad meads – these hoary woods are grand; But we are exiles from our father’s land.
When the bold kindred, in the long-vanished, Conquered the soil and fortified the keep, No seer foretold the children would be banished, That a degenerate lord might boast his sheep. Fair these broad meads – these hoary woods are grand; But we are exiles from our father’s land. Come foreigner rage – let Discord burst in slaughter! O then for clansmen true, and stern claymore – -The hearts that would have given their blood like water Beat heavily beyond the Atlantic roar. Fair these broad meads – these hoary woods are grand; But we are exiles from our father’s land.
Chinese Fan
My ship sailed from China with a cargo of tea, All laden with treasures for you and for me!
They brought me a fan, just imagine my bliss, When I found myself going like this, like this....
Actions: at the end of the verse, begin waving one hand back and forth as if with an invisible fan. Repeat the song a number of times, until you are waving both hands, both legs, and your head.
Repeat one more time, ending with everyone laying in exhaustion on the floor!
(source: "Musical Fun With The Brownie Pack", Girl Guides Association, 1986; also in "Jubilee Songbook", Girl Guides
of Canada, 1971.)
Come Along with Me
Come and join the Girl Guides, And see what fun can be;
We’ll camp and sing in a campfire ring, Come along with me.
All ages join together,
To form our Sisterhood, We circle round our great big world with deeds both kind and good.
Come and join the Girl Guides,
And see what fun can be; We’ll camp and sing in a campfire ring,
Come along with me.
Let’s spread the word to others, Of what we try to be;
We’ll gladly share our friendship with everyone we see.
Come and join the Girl Guides, And see what fun can be;
We’ll camp and sing in a campfire ring, Come along with me.
Come sit around the campfire,
And join with me in a song, Just watch the love and the friendship grow as we all sing along.
Come and join the Girl Guides,
And see what fun can be; We’ll camp and sing in a campfire ring,
Come along with me.
Creina Good NIght
Good night, as the sun is setting red, Goodnight, it is time to go to bed. Now the Moon is tuck’d up with a cloudy pillow for her head.
Goodnight, Goodnight, Goodnight.
Goodnight as the sun is setting red, Goodnight it is time to go to bed. Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ‘night. Goodnight.
Dearest Friend
There are times in your life when you meet a certain someone, And you know right from the start that you will never be the same.
From the moment that I met you, I know I won’t forget you, ‘Cause you’ve touched a part of me that has no end.
I call you a friend, the sweetest thing to me.
No matter where you are, that’s what you’ll always be. And when we part, until we meet again,
I’ll hold you in my heart, my dearest friend. I’ll hold you in my heart, my dearest friend.
I’m so glad for this time that we share here with each other,
It’s a time I can recall, if I am ever feeling blue. I’ll reach out across the miles for your laughter and your smiles,
And the memory of you will see me through.
I call you a friend, the sweetest thing to me. No matter where you are, that’s what you’ll always be.
And when we part, until we meet again, I’ll hold you in my heart, my dearest friend. I’ll hold you in my heart, my dearest friend.
Donkey Riding
Chorus:
Hey ho, away we go Donkey riding, donkey riding
Hey ho, away we go Riding on a donkey
Were you ever in Quebec? Stowing timber on the deck
Where there's a king with a golden crown Riding on a donkey
Were you ever off the horn?
Where it's always fine and warm Seen the lion and the unicorn
Riding on a donkey
Were you ever in Cardiff Bay? Where the folks all shout, "Hurray!"
Here comes John with his three months pay Riding on a donkey
These last two verses are obvious add-ons to the original song.
Were you ever in Timbuktu? Where the Girl Guides dress in blue Where they come to welcome you
Riding on a donkey
Were you ever in Ottawa? Strangest place I ever saw
Where the Mounties keep the law Riding on a donkey
(source: "Girl Guide Songbook, Vol. 1", Girl Guides Association, 1984.)
En Roulant ma Boule
Chorus En roulant ma boule roulant, Rolling my ball… En roulant ma boule (2: repeat chorus) 1. Derrière chez nous y-a-t’un étang (a pond), En roulant ma boule. Trois beaux canards (ducks) s’en vont baignant (are bathing), Rouli-roulant, ma boule roulant. Chorus 2. Le fils du roi s’en va chassant, En roulant ma boule. Avec son grand fusil d’argent, Rouli-roulant, ma boule roulant. Chorus 3. Visa le noir, tua le blanc, En roulant ma boule. O, fils du roi tu es méchant, Rouli-roulant, ma boule roulant. Chorus
5. Et toutes ses plumes s’en vont au vent, Trois dames s’en vont les ramassant, En roulant ma boule. Rouli-roulant, ma boule roulant Chorus 6. C’est pour en faire un lit de camp, En roulant ma boule. Pour y coucher tous les passants, Rouli-roulant, ma boule roulant. Chorus
1. At the back of our house, there is a pond, Three lovely ducks are bathing in it.
2. The king’s son is going hunting,
With his large silver gun.
3. Aims for the black duck, kills the white, O you, the king’s song, you are bad.
4. You have killed my white duck,
Beneath his wing, he’s losing blood.
5. All of his feathers are blowing in the wind, Three ladies go about picking them up.
6. It’s to make a feather bed.
For all those who are passing by.
Farewell to Nova Scotia
Chorus:
So Farewell to Nova Scotia
Your seabound coast Let your mountains dark and dreary be
For when I am far away
On the briny ocean tossed
Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me
The sun was setting in the west The birds were singing on every tree
All nature seemed inclined to rest But still there was no rest for me
I grieve to leave my native land
I grieve to leave my comrades all And my parents whom I love so dear
And the bonny bonny lass that I do adore
The drums do beat and the wars do alarm
The Captain calls we must obey
So farewell farewell to Nova Scotia's charms
For it's early in the morning, I am far far away
I have three brothers and they are at rest
Their arms are folded on their breast While a poor simple sailor just like me
Must be tossed and driven o'er the dark blue sea
(source: "Jubilee Songbook", Girl Guides of Canada, 1971.)
For This is British Columbia
From the grandeur of the Rockies to the green Vancouver Isle,
We're proud of our Province, ev'ry inch and ev'ry mile. Her rolling hills and jagged peaks, and rivers running free.
A gift of Mother Nature for one and all to see.
Chorus For this is British Columbia
We've got so much if we can only see. A land that is still young with a future just begun
Where we can live in peace and harmony. You can walk along a sandy beach and hear the seagulls cry
Or marvel at the Douglas Fir that reaches to the sky, You can travel to the caribou where horse and cattle roam,
Or stand beside the Fraser as her mighty waters foam.
Chorus Since the frontiers of the goldrush days, we've come a long, long way,
From the pioneers who blazed the sites on which we stand today, With their newfound hope they travelled here from places far and wide,
Fo freedom and great splendour which to no one is denied.
Forty Years on an Iceburg
(actions in brackets)
Forty years on an iceberg (make #10 four times with hands) Over the ocean wide (wave motion)
Nothing to wear but pyjamas, (slide hands up body from toes to head) Nothing to do but slide (slide hands down body from head to toes)
The wind was cold and icy, (shiver, arms around body) Jack Frost began to bite (pinch neighbours) I had to hug my polar bear (hug neighbours)
To keep me warm at night, night, night, night...
(Repeat and each time hum another line instead of singing it)
Frère Jacques (Brother John)
Chorus:
Frère Jacques Frère Jacques Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines Sonnez les matines
Ding, ding, dong Ding, ding, dong
Are you sleeping, are you sleeping
Brother John? Brother John? Morning bells are ringing, morning bells are ringing
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
(source: "Musical Fun With The Brownie Pack", Girl Guides Association, 1986.) (can be sung as a 4-part round)
Golden Prairie Song:
Many years ago they say, ‘Long came the
Hudson’s Bay,
Built their little forts along the rivers
Those forts grew and grew
And I’m telling you
They’re still growing bigger and bigger.
Chorus:
Golden Prairie Land,
Grandest mountain land
Sing for all you’re worth.
Sing ‘ cause you’re proud of it,
Right out loud with it,
Finest country on earth.
Bright blue skies above,
Home towns we dearly love.
Sing with might and main.
Golden Prairie Land,
Grandest mountain land.
Sing it again and again.
Honor to the pioneers,
Heroes of bygone years,
Built their little shacks along the rivers
They prepared the way
So we find today
We’re still growing bigger and bigger.
Come along a thousand fold,
Oil wells with liquid gold,
Gas and coal miners all along the rivers,
Pay us a friendly call
Welcome one and all
And help us grow bigger and bigger.
Ham and Eggs
Thanks very much to Linda Abbey, who emailed this song to me!
Split the participants into 2 halves. Start off quietly and get progressively louder, ending as loud as you can!
Team 1 - I LIKE MINE FRIED NICE AND BROWN (normal) Team 2 - I LIKE MINE FRIED UPSIDE DOWN (a bit louder)
Team 1 - FLIP 'EM (louder) Team 2 - FLOP 'EM (louder still)
Team 1 - FLIP 'EM (even louder still) Team 2 - FLOP 'EM (a lot louder)
Everyone - HAM AND EGGS (really loud)
Ho, Ho, Watanay (Iroquois Lullaby)
(Mohawk)
Ho, ho, Watanay
Ho, ho, Watanay
Ho, ho, Watanay
Ki-yo-ki-na
Ki-yo-ki-na
I Like the Flowers
(This song is most commonly sung in two parts, with half the group singing the "boom di-a-dahs" and the other half singing the verse, then switching.)
I like the flowers, I like the daffodils,
I like the mountains, I like the rolling hills
I like the campfire, when all the lights are low,
Chorus:
Boom di-a-dah, boom di-a-dah, Boom di-a-dah, boom di-a-dah...
(source: "Celebrate With Song", Girl Guides of Canada, 1995.)
I`se the B`y
I'se the b'y that builds the boat And I'se the b'y that sails her!
I'se the b'y that catches the fish
And takes ‘em home to Lizer.
Chorus:
Hip yer partner, Sally Tibbo! Hip yer partner, Sally Brown!
Fogo, Twillingate, Moreton's Harbour, All around the circle.
Sods and rinds to cover yer flake
Cake and tea for supper, Cod-fish in the spring o' the year
Fried in maggoty butter.
I don't want your maggoty fish, That's no good for winter,
I could buy as good as that Down in Bonavista.
I took Lizer to a dance,
And faith but she could travel And every step that she did take
Was up to her knees in gravel.
Island Hymn
Fair Island of the sea, We raise our song to thee, The bright and the blest;
Loyally now we stand As brothers, hand in hand
And sing God save the land We love the best.
Upon or princely Isle,
May kindest fortune smile In coming years;
Peace and prosperity In all her borders be, From every evil free, And weakling fears.
Prince Edward Isle, to thee Our hearts shall faithful be
Where’er we dwell; Forever may we stand
As brothers, hand in hand, And sing God save the lord
We love so well.
Itchy Flea (Flea Fly)
Flea. Flea fly.
Flea fly mosquito. Oh, no no no more mosquitoes.
Itchy itchy, scratchy scratchy, oh, I got one down my backy. Beat that big bad bug with the bug spray.
SSSSSSsssssssssss!
Here's a second version of the song, sent to me by Leslie Collins. Thanks!
(Actions: the song is sung sitting crosslegged and alternate clapping once then slapping knees once to make the beat)
Flea
Flea fly
Flea fly flow
Fista
Coomberalla coomberalla coomberalla fista
Oh no no no no navista
Eeny meeny dessimeeny oowalla-walla-meeny
Exameeny salameeny oowalla wah
Beep diddlee oppenboppen mo bo badeepin dopping
Shhhhhhhh!
(source: "The World's Best Funny Songs", Esther J. Nelson, 1988; this song is called "Flea Fly" in "The Worm Song and Other Tasty Tunes, Janet Wilson, 1993.)
(leader sings one line and everyone else sings it back)
Jack Was Every Inch a Sailor
Now, 'twas twenty-five or thirty years since Jack first saw the light. He came into this world of woe one dark and stormy night. He was born on board his father's ship as she was lying to,
'Bout twenty-five or thirty miles south-east of Bacalieu
Chorus:
Jack was ev'ry inch a sailor, Five and twenty years a whaler.
Jack was ev'ry inch a sailor; He was born upon the bright blue sea.
When Jack grew up to be a man, he went to Labrador. He fished in Indian harbour where his father fished before.
On his returning in the fog, he met a heavy gale, And Jack was swept into the sea and swallowed by a whale.
The whale went straight for Baffin's Bay 'bout ninety knots an hour,
And ev'ry time he'd blow a spray, he'd send it in a shower. "Oh, now," says Jack unto himself, "I must see what he's about."
He caught the whale all by the tail and turned him inside out.
(source: "Songs for Canadian Girl Guides", Girl Guides of Canada, 1981.)
Junior Birdsmen:
Chorus:
Up in the air junior birdman Up in the air upside down
Up in the air junior birdman Keep your noses off the ground
When you hear the grand announcement
that your wings are made of tin. Then you know that Junior Birdman,
has turned his box tops in.*
For it takes: 5 box tops, 4 bottle bottoms,
3 coupons, 2 wrappers,
and one thin dime!
B-i-r-d, B-i-r-d, B-i-r-d-m-a-n Birdman, Birdman, Birdman
Buzzzzzzzz!
* Alternate Verse When you hear the doorbell ring (buzz, buzz)
When you see the badge of tin (tin, tin) Then you know that junior birdman
Has turned his box tops in.
Land of the Silver Birch
Land of the silver birch Home of the beaver
Where still the mighty moose Wanders at will
Chorus:
Blue lake and rocky shore I will return once more
Boom did-y-ah-dah Boom did-y-ah-dah
Boom did-y-ah-dah, boom
My heart is sick for thee Here in the lowlands I will return to thee Hills of the north
Swift as a silver fish Canoe of birch bark
By mighty waterways Carry me forth
High on a rocky ledge I'll build my wigwam
Close to the water's edge Silent and still
(note: Land of the Silver Birch can be sung simultaneously with My Paddle for a fabulous effect!)
(source: "Our Chalet Songbook", Our Chalet Committee, 1981; also found in "Girl Guide Songbook, Vol. 2", Girl Guides Association, 1984 and in "Songs for Canadian Girl Guides", Girl Guides of Canada, 1981.)
Let Me Fish Off Cape St Mary’s
Chorus:
Take me back to my Western boat, Let me fish off Cape St Mary's,
Where the hogdowns sail and the foghorns wail, With my friends the Browns and the Clearys,
Let me fish off Cape St Mary's.
Let me view that rugged shore, Where the beach is all a-glisten,
With the caplin spawn where from dusk to dawn, You bait your trawl and listen,
To the undertow a-hissin'.
When I reach that last big shoal, Where the ground swells break asunder,
Where the wild sands roll to the surge's toll, Let me be a man and take it,
When my dory fails to make it.
Take me back to that snug green cove, Where the seas roll up their thunder,
There let me rest in the earth's cool breast, Where the stars shine out their wonder,
And the seas roll up their thunder.
Take me back to my Western boat, Let me fish off Cape St Mary's,
Where the hogdowns sail and the foghorns wail, With my friends the Browns and the Clearys,
Let me fish off Cape St Mary's.
Listen to the Earth
Listen to the Earth;
It's singing to me.
Hear all nature's harmony.
Waterfalls and raindrops,
Wind and sea.
Sing the song of the Earth to me.
Little Rabbit Foo Foo
Little rabbit Foo Foo, hopping through the forest, Scooping up the field mice, and bopping them on the head,
And down came the good fairy, and she said, "Little rabbit Foo Foo, I don't want to see you
Scooping up the field mice, and bopping them on the head."
"I'll give you three chances, And then I'll turn you into a goon." But the very next day... (repeat the verse)
"I'll give you two more chances, And then I'll turn you into a goon." But the very next day... (repeat the verse)
"I'll give you one more chance, And then I'll turn you into a goon." But the very next day... (repeat the verse)
"I gave you three chances, So now I'll turn you into a goon." - Zap! The moral of the story is: "Hare today; goon tomorrow."
Actions:
Little rabbit Foo Foo...: use two fingers as rabbit ears, hop your hand across in front of you
Scooping up the field mice: scoop up an invisible mouse, bop it on the head
Good fairy: wave arm as if holding a magic wand
I don't want to see you: wag index finger back and forth as "no"
My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
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, bring back,
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Bring back, bring back, Bring back my Bonnie to me
Actions: Start the song sitting down. On the first "B" in the song, stand up. At the next "B", sit down again. Repeat throughout the song. Repeat the song a number of times, getting faster and faster!
(source: "Campfire Activities", Girl Guides of Canada, 1993.)
My Paddle
My paddle's keen and bright Flashing with silver
Follow the wild goose flight Dip, dip and swing
Dip, dip and swing her back Flashing with silver
Swift as the wild goose flies Dip, dip and swing
(note: "My Paddle" can be sung simultaneously with "Land of the Silver Birch" for a wonderful effect... start "My Paddle" a fifth higher than "Land of the Silver Birch")
(source: "Girl Guide Songbook, Vol. 1", Girl Guides Association, 1984; also found in "Songs for Canadian Girl Guides",
Girl Guides of Canada, 1981.)
New Brunswick Grace
If you want peace of mind, Leave your worries far behind, Won’t you come back with me To that land down by the sea?
Where the tall timbers grow In the valleys green below,
Reaching up to the hills of New Brunswick. With the sweet breath of spring time,
The smell of new mown hay, Leaves that turn red to gold and snow on Christmas Day.
There is a kindness to spare, You’ll be welcome to a share
Of the love and the Land of New Brunswick
NWT Guide Song
Raven, caribou, snowbird, polar bear, Guides of the North will take you there. Land of the mighty sun.
Camp in the Northern snow. Come along with us! Sing our song with us!
We’re the Guides who live in the Northwest Territories.
Raven, caribou, snowbird, polar bear, Guides of the North will take you there. We’re from Taloyoak, Aklavik and Yellowknife,
Pangnirtung, Fort Smith, Tuktoyaktuk, too. We’re the Guides who live in the Northwest Territories!
Raven, caribou, snowbird, polar bear, Guides of the North will take you there.
Up in the barren lands, Winds sweep across the plans.
Northern lights are bright, and we live life right. We’re the Guides of the Northwest Territories!
Raven, caribou, snowbird, polar bear, Guides of the North will take you there.
See how our numbers grow, As our mighty rivers flow!
Fort Liard has joined, Resolution too. We’re the Guides of the Northwest Territories!
Version One:
Old McDonald had a farm, e-i-e-i-ooh! And on that farm he had a cow, e-i-e-i-ooh! With a moo, moo here and a moo, moo there, Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo, moo, Old McDonald had a farm, e-i-e-i-ooh!
Version Two:
Old McDonald had a farm, e-i-e-i-ooh! And on that farm he had a cow, e-i-e-i-ooh! With a big cow, little cow, little cow, big cow, Fat cow, thin cow, thin cow, fat cow, Old McDonald had a farm, e-i-e-i-ooh! Actions: for each verse,
make the appropriate
"big", "little", "fat" and
"thin" actions for each
animal.
Version Three:
Old McDonald had a sea (or fish) farm, e-i-e-i-ooh! And on that sea farm he had an octopus, e-i-e-i-ooh! With and arm, arm here and an arm, arm there, Here an arm, there an arm, everywhere an arm, arm, Old McDonald had a sea farm, e-i-e-i-ooh! Other Verses: crab: pinch, pinch here.... shark: jaws, jaws here.... swordfish: swish, swish here.... jellyfish: jiggle, jiggle
here....
Version Four: Many thanks to Jane Maddin and Becky Fletcher who sent me the verses I didn't know!
Old McDonald had a farm, e-i-e-i-o! And on that farm he had a tree... (switch tunes here) Where they cut down the old pine tree, TIMBER! And hauled it away to the mill, tra, la, la! Old McDonald had a farm, e-i-e-i-o! And on that farm he had a home... (switch tunes) Home, home on the range, Where they cut down the old pine tree, TIMBER! And hauled it away to the mill, tra, la, la! Old McDonald had a farm, e-i-e-i-o! And on that farm he had a dog, (switch tunes) Oh where oh where has my little dog gone? Oh where oh where can he be? He's home, home on the range, Where they cut down the old pine tree! TIMBER! and they hauled it away to the mill, tra, la, la!
Old McDonald’s Farm
Old McDonald had a farm, e-i-e-i-o! And on that farm he had a Sweetheart... (switch tunes) Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you, Let me hear you whisper, Oh where oh where has my little dog gone, Oh where oh where can he be? He's home, home on the range, Where they cut down the old pine tree, TIMBER! And they hauled it away to the mill, tra, la, la! Old McDonald had a farm, e, i, e, i, o! And on this farm he had a car, (switch tunes) See the U-S-A in your Chevrolet America is asking you to... Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you. Let me hear you whisper.. Oh where, oh where has my little dog gone? Oh where, oh where can he be? He's... Home, home on the range. Where they cut down the ol' pine tree, TIMBER! And they hauled it away to the mill. tra, la, la!
Ooh Ka Lay La
Oo ka lay la (echo)
A perry ticky tumba (echo)
A muzza muzza muzza (echo)
Oo walla way alla wall la way (echo)
Percy the Pale-Faced Polar Bear:
Way up in the land of ice and snow Where the temperature drops to forty below
There’s a bear that we all know
Percy the pale-faced polar bear
Sleeps at day and then at night He catches his fish by the pale moonlight
He has no worries, he has no cares
He’s Percy the pale-faced polar bear!
Rain Song
This is a Navajo prayer for rain. The tapping rhythm accompanies on the first section, and is very soft. It is made up by two beats on the thigh, then a triplet, and one beat, tapped by two fingers on the opposite palm. At the end of the song, after a moment’s silence, the rain is heard. Sit in a circle, with a leader in the middle. The leader will walk around the circle at a slow pace, and on every lap they will change the actions. Do not change actions until the leader passes you doing something new. The actions commence with rubbing palms together. The next lap is a light clap, created by tapping two fingers of one hand against the other palm. The next lap is snapping with both hands. The fourth lap is loud applause. The fifth is stomping of the feet. The sixth lap is, once again thunderous applause. The seventh is snapping with both hands, following then by the light finger clap, and then by rubbing hands together. The leader will then walk by doing nothing, an absolute silence. In a large group, this sounds like a rainstorm coming in, and then blowing out.
Remember Me
Come and take my hand See the horizon in the open air, see the treetops way up there,
Because we talk the way we do, I know I’ve found a friend, Oh I will remember you.
When the summer’s gone, we’ll have to move on
But we’ll smile again, as we listen to the rain, Tell ev’rything you want to, All your whole life through,
Just promise you’ll remember me.
Singing to a gultar, At Doe Lake campfire,
I think it’s nice to know that so many years ago, There were people here like you and me,
Gazing at the stars, Saying promise you’ll remember me.
As we watch the days come and go,
I feel that you know all the things we’ve shared, We’ll remember way out there,
As we travel far and back again, And touch the open sky, Remember me, my friend
Barges
Out of my window, looking in the night I can see the barges flickering light Silently flows the river to the sea
And the barges too go silently
Chorus:
Barges, I would like to go with you
I would like to sail the ocean blue
Barges, have you treasures in your hold
Do you fight with pirates brave and bold?
Out of my window, looking in the night I can see the barges flickering light Starboard shines green and port is glowing red
I can see them flickering far ahead
Thanks to Sarah Wishert, here's a 3rd verse of Barges:
How my heart longs to sail away with you
As you sail across the ocean blue
But I must sit beside my window dear And watch you sail away from here
Thanks to Rebecca Saint for these extra verses!
Out of my window looking in the night I can see the barges flickering light Harbour ahead and anchorage in view
I will find my resting place with you
Away from my window on into the night I will watch 'til they are out of sight Taking their cargo far across the sea
How I'd wish that someday they would take me
Thanks to Colleen Beaupre for this extra verse!
Out of my window looking through the night I can see the barges flickering light People are sailing far and far away
And I hope to go with them one day
Song of the North
I go where I please, And yet on the breeze
Comes the Song of the North calling me!
A weird flashing sky Hums night’s lullaby;
Hums the Song of the North haunting me!
A rainbow curving over the sea, The sun’s glow, sharing midnight with me;
They’ve all cast their spell And clear as a bell.
There’s a Song of the North calling me!
Spirit of the North
I go where I please, And yet on the breeze
Comes the Song of the North calling me!
A weird flashing sky Hums night’s lullaby;
Hums the Song of the North haunting me!
A rainbow curving over the sea, The sun’s glow, sharing midnight with me;
They’ve all cast their spell And clear as a bell.
There’s a Song of the North calling me!
Squid Jiggin`Ground
Oh! this is the place where the fishermen gather, With oilskins and boots, and Cape Anns battened down
All sizes of figures with squid lines and jiggers, They congregate here on the squid jiggin' ground.
Some are workin' their jiggers while others are yarnin' There's some standin' up and some more lyin' down,
While all kinds of fun, jokes and tricks are begun
As they wait for the squid on the squid jiggin' ground.
Holy Smoke! what a bustle; all hands are excited. It's a wonder to me that nobody is drowned.
There's a bustle, confusion, a wonderful hussle; They're all jiggin' squid on the squid jiggin' ground.
There's poor Uncle Billy, his whiskers are spattered
With spots of the squid juice that's flyin' around. One poor little boy got it right in the eye;
But they don't care a hang on the squid-jiggin' ground.
Now if you ever feel inclined to go squiddin', Leave your white shirts and collars behind in the town,
And if you get cranky without a silk hanky, You'd better steer clear of the squid jiggin' ground.
(source: "Girl Guide Songbook, Vol. 1", Girl Guides Association, 1984; also in "Songs for Canadian Girl Guides",
Girl Guides of Canada, 1981.)
Swimming Hole
Swimming, swimming in my swimming pool When days are hot when days are cold, in my swimming pool
Breast-stroke, side-stroke, fancy diving too. Don't you wish you never had anything else to do, but....
Actions:
Swimming, swimming: swimming action
In my swimming pool: trace outline of pool Days are hot: wipe hand across forehead
Days are cold: shiver Breast-stroke: do the breaststroke
Side-stroke: do the sidestroke
Fancy diving: dive action
Repeat the song a number of times, leaving out each of the above lines one at a time but still doing the actions. The last verse should be all actions and no singing!
(Source: there is a similar song called "Swimming Hole" in "The Kids' Campfire Book", Jane Drake and Ann Love, Kids
Can Press, 1996, also in "Campfire Activities", Girl Guides of Canada, 1993.)
Tall Trees
Tall trees that reach the sky
Mountains and lakes nearby
Draw near, my friends, come sing, my friends
Our campfire time is nigh
(source: "Diamond Jubilee Songbook", Girl Guides Association, 1984.)
(Can also be sung as a 4-part round)
The Bear Song
The other day
I met a bear A great big bear
Away out there! (repeat)
He looked at me
I looked at him
He sized up me
I sized up him! (repeat)
He said to me
"Why don't you run?
I see you ain't Got any gun!" (repeat)
And so I ran
Away from there
But right behind
Me was that bear! (repeat)
Ahead of me
There was a tree
A great big tree
Oh, glory be! (repeat)
The nearest branch
Was ten feet up
I'd have to jump
And trust my luck! (repeat)
And so I jumped
Into the air But I missed that branch
Away up there! (repeat)
Now don't you fret Now don't you frown
'Cause I caught that branch
And so I jumped
Into the air But I missed that branch
Away up there! (repeat)
Now don't you fret Now don't you frown
'Cause I caught that branch
On the way back down! (repeat)
That is the end
There ain't no more
Unless I meet That bear once more! (repeat)
And so I met
That bear once more
Now he's a rug
On my bedroom floor! (repeat)
The Happy Wanderer
Chorus:
Val-der-ri, val-der-ra Val-der-ri, val-der-ra ra ra ra ra ra
Val-der-ri, val-der-ra (sing the last line of the verse)
I love to go a-wandering Along the mountain track And as I go, I love to sing My knapsack on my back
I love to wander by the stream
That dances in the sun So joyously it calls to me
Come join my happy song
I wave my hat to all I meet And they wave back at me
And blackbirds call so loud and clear From every greenwood tree
Oh, may I go a-wandering
Until the day I die And may I always laugh and sing
Beneath God's clear blue sky
(source: "Jubilee Songbook", Girl Guides of Canada, 1971.)
The Land of New Brunswick
If you want peace of mind, leave your worries far behind. Won’t you come back with me to that land down by the sea.
Where the tall timbers, in the valleys green below, Reaching up to the hills of New Brunswick.
With the sweet breath of springtime, the smell of new mown hay,
Leaves that turn to red and gold and snow on Christmas Day. There is kindness to spare, you’ll be welcome to a share
Of the love and the Land of New Brunswick
The Moose Song
Version Two:
There was a great big moose
Who liked to drink a lot of juice
There was a great big moose
Who liked to drink a lot of juice
Chorus:
Way-oh, way-oh
Way-oh way-oh way-oh way-oh
Way-oh, way-oh! Way-oh way-oh way-oh way-oh
The moose's name was Fred
He liked to drink his juice in bed
The moose's name was Fred
He liked to drink his juice in bed
He drank his juce with care
But he spilt it in his hair He drank his juice with care
But he spilt it in his hair
Now there's a sticky moose
Full of juice... On the loose...
(leader sings a line, everyone repeats)
There was a big moose
Who liked to drink juice
Chorus:
Singing whoa-oh-oh-oh
Whao whao whao
Oh! Oh! Whao whao whao!
Now the moose's name was Fred
He liked to drink his juice in bed
Now he drank his juice with care
But he spilt it in his hair
Now he's a sticky moose
He's a moose full of juice
The Red River
'Tis a long time that I have been waiting
For the words that you never would say,
But today, my last hope, it has vanished
For they say you are going away.
Chorus:
Come and sit by my side if you love me.
Do not hasten to bid me adieu,
But remember the Red River Valley
And the girl that has loved you so true.
From our plains, I knew you would be going.
I shall miss your bright eyes and your smile,
For from me, you are taking the sunshine
That has brightened my path for awhile.
Often think of the Red River Valley,
Very lonely and sad shall I be.
Do remember the heart you are breaking.
Promise you will be faithful to me.
When you sail far across the wide ocean,
May you never forget those bright hours
That we spent on the banks of the river
In the evening among prairie flowers.
(source: "Songs for Canadian Girl Guides", Girl Guides of Canada, 1981.)
The Saskatchewan Song
Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, There's no place like Saskatchewan We sit and gaze across the plains And wonder why it never rains And Gabriel blows his trumpet sound, He says, "The rain, she's gone around." 1. Saskatchewan, the land of snow Where winds are always on the blow And [where] people sit with frozen toes And why we stay here, no-one knows.
Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, There's no place like Saskatchewan We sit and gaze across the plains And wonder why it never rains And Gabriel blows his trumpet sound, He says, "The rain, she's gone around."
2. Our pigs are dying on their feet Because they have no food [feed] to eat Our horses, though of bronco race Starvation stares them in the face.
Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, There's no place like Saskatchewan We sit and gaze across the plains And wonder why it never rains And Gabriel blows his trumpet sound, He says, "The rain, she's gone around." 3. The milk from cows has ceased to flow We had to ship them ['em] east, you know Our hens are old, they [and] lay no eggs Our turkeys eat grasshopper legs.
Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, There's no place like Saskatchewan We sit and gaze across the plains And wonder why it never rains And Gabriel blows his trumpet sound, He says, "The rain, she's gone around."
4. But still we love Saskatchewan, We're proud to say we're natives ones So count your blessings, drop by drop - Next year we'll have a bumper crop!
There Ain’t no Flies on Us
There ain't no flies on us! There ain't no flies on us!
There may be flies on some of you guys, But there ain't no flies on us!
Other group will respond with :
Oh yeah??
There ain't no flies on us! There ain't no flies on us!
There may be flies on some of you guys, But there ain't no flies on us!
These verses can be changed to make it more difficult, i.e. skunks on some of you punks...
There’s a Hole in My Bucket
Liza: Henry! Fetch me some water!
Henry: There's a hole in my bucket dear Liza, dear Liza
There's a hole in my bucket dear Liza, a hole.
Liza: Well, fix it dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, Well, fix it dear Henry, dear Henry, fix it.
Henry: With what shall I fix it ...
Liza: With a straw dear Henry ... Henry: The straw is too long ... Liza: Well, cut it dear Henry ...
Henry: With what shall I cut it ... Liza: With an axe dear Henry ...
Henry: The axe is too dull dear Liza ... Liza: Well, sharpen it dear Henry ...
Henry: With what shall I sharpen it ... Liza: With a stone dear Henry ...
Henry: The stone is too dry dear Liza ... Liza: Well, wet it dear Henry ...
Henry: With what shall I wet it ... Liza: With water dear Henry ... Henry: In what shall I fetch it ... Liza: In a bucket dear Henry ...
Henry: There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza ...
(source: "The Worm Song and Other Tasty Tunes", Janet Wilson, 1993.; also found in "The Kids' Campfire Book", Jane Drake and Ann Love, Kids Can Press, 1996.)
Time With You
I can see the open fields, the tall grass blowin’ wild. I can feel the wind in my face, hear the laughter of a child.
I can touch the sunlight waters, and the early morning dew.
You are such a friendly Manitoba, I’ll spend my time with you. I’ll spend my time with you. I’ll spend my time with you.
You are such a friendly Manitoba, I’ll spend my time with you.
I can find a forest trail, and follow a silent stream. I can sit alone on the bank, reflecting on a dream,
I can skip a skipping stone, or even catch a fish or two.
You are such a friendly Manitoba, I’ll spend my time with you. I’ll spend my time with you. I’ll spend my time with you.
You are such a friendly Manitoba, I’ll spend my time with you.
I have found your treasures rare, I’m richer than any king. I have found a friend in you. You really want me to sing.
I have found wherever I go, that it’s my point of view.
You are such a friendly Manitoba, I’ll spend my time with you. I’ll spend my time with you. I’ll spend my time with you.
You are such a friendly Manitoba, I’ll spend my time with you.
Waltz of the Yukon
The Waltz of the Yukon blows through the trees, Listen to the music of the wind in the leaves.
It tells of the beauty as it blows across the land, The Waltz of the Yukon played by nature’s own hand.
It whispers the beauty of the lakes and the streams,
So touched by the richness of the blues and the greens, It tells of the secret that northern lights hold,
The Waltz of the Yukon they’re dancing I’m told.
The Waltz of the Yukon blows through the trees, Listen to the music of the wind in the leaves.
It tells of the beauty as it blows across the land, The Waltz of the Yukon played by nature’s own hand.
It tells of the beauty of the crystal white snow,
It tells how the starlight sets the heavens aglow, It tells of the beauty as it blows across the land,
The Waltz of the Yukon played by nature’s own hand.
The Waltz of the Yukon blows through the trees, Listen to the music of the wind in the leaves.
It tells of the beauty as it blows across the land, The Waltz of the Yukon played by nature’s own hand.
Western Grace
Praise for the mountains, grass, plains and woodlands, For all things fair that are made by Thy hand.
Thy bounty feeding, Thy spirit leading, Thy love exceeding, wondrous and grand.
Windows
Open your window and look outside, What in the world will you find?
Love and friendship and peace of mind, If only you’ll take the time.
Oh windows, oh windows Give your dreams a start. Oh windows, oh windows, The windows of your heart.
There is a friend who is waiting there.
Won’t you reach out your hand? Both can walk through the fields of life,
And by the valleys stand.
Oh windows, oh windows Give your dreams a start. Oh windows, oh windows, The windows of your heart.
Wood Smoke Song
With the scent of woodsmoke drifting on the air
And the glow of firelight we always love to share
Visions of camp-fires all return
And as the logs flame up and burn
We dream of bygone campfires and long for those to come.
Tongues of yellow fire flickering up on high
Reaching twisting fingers up to a starlit sky
Voices recall songs old and new
Songs once dear to our fathers too
Who dreamed of bygone campfires and longed for those to come.
Gently dying embers cast a rosy glow
Voices slowly sinking to tones so soft and low
Slowly upon the still night air
Fall faithful voices hushed in prayer
That dream of bygone campfires and long for those to come.