Okay, I'll admit it. I really, really like campfires. I like teaching people firebuilding, I like making firestarters, but mostly, I like them for the campfire songs.
Campfire songs tend to be quieter and slower than daytime songs. Traditionally they start with 'Fire's Burning,' and we try to end with 'Taps,' a friendship circle, and the Timbercrest song. Here's a collection of some of my favorite campfire songs. As time goes on, I'll likely add more-- I consider it my duty to spread at least one new song through camp per summer-- and maybe even add the guitar chords for them, as I figure 'em out. Happy singing!
Where possible, I've listed the people who introduced these to Timbercrest or taught them to me.
Firelighting Songs A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Firelighting Songs Fire’s Burning Fire’s burning, fire’s burning; Draw nearer, draw nearer; In the gloaming, in the gloaming, Come sing and be merry.
(May be sung as a round. As Butterfly will tell everyone, "it's gloaming, not glowing! 'Gloaming' is an English word that means 'twilight.'" Both words make sense in this context, but 'gloaming' is really the proper wording.)Rise Up, O Flame Rise up, o flame By thy light glowing Show to us beauty, wisdom and joy. Alternate major-key version: Rise up, oh flame Fire burn bright Show to us beauty, wisdom and light. (Butterfly taught me both 'Rise Up, O Flame' and 'Come (Light Up the Fire).' I think this may have been at snow camp '06-- not sure, sadly.)
Come (Light Up the Fire) Come, come, light up the fire Come, come, join in the ring Here find dreams to inspire Stories to tell Music to sing. (May be sung as a round.)
The Ashgrove Down yonder green valley Where streamlets meander When twilight is fading, I pensively rove. Or at the bright noontide in solitude wander Amid the dark shades of the lonely ashgrove. ‘Tis there where the blackbird is cheerfully singing Each warbler enchants with its note from a tree. Ah, then little think I of sorrow or sadness: The ashgrove enchanting spells beauty to me. The ashgrove, how graceful How plainly is speaking The harp through its playing has language for me. Whenever the light through its branches is breaking A host of kind faces are gazing at me. The friends of my childhood have gathered before me, Each step wakes a memory as freely I roam. With soft whispers laden, its leaves rustle o’er me: The ashgrove, the ashgrove alone is my home. My laughter has faded, my step loses lightness Old countryside measures fall soft on my ears. I only remember the past and its brightness The dear ones I mourn for again gather here. From out of the shadows their loving looks greet me And wistfully searching the leafy green dome I find other faces fond bending to greet me: The ashgrove, the ashgrove alone is my home.
All Through the Night Sleep, my child and peace attend thee All through the night; Guardian angels God will lend thee All through the night. Soft the drowsy hours are creeping, Hill and vale in slumber steeping, I my loving vigil keeping, All through the night. While the moon her watch is keeping All through the night While the weary world is sleeping All through the night O'er thy spirit gently stealing Visions of delight revealing Breathes a pure and holy feeling All through the night.
All My Life’s a Circle Chorus : All my life's a circle; Sunrise and sundown; Moon rolls through the nighttime; Till the daybreak comes around. All my life's a circle; But still I wonder why; The season's spinning round again; The years keep rollin' by. My senses spin in circles Til I find someone else We share things with each other And we learn about ourselves. We see, we hear, we touch, we smile Together we are one And in the end we’ll be much more For all the things we’ve done. Chorus I found you a thousand times before, I guess you done the same. But then we lose each other, It's like a children's game. As I find you here again; A thought runs through my mind; Our love is like a circle; Let's go 'round one more time. Chorus It seems like I've been here before But I can't remember when; I’ve got this funny feeling; That we'll all be together again. No straight lines make up my life; And all my roads have bends There's no clear-cut beginning; And so far no dead-ends.
BargesOut of my window looking in the night, I can see the barges’ flickering light. Silently flows the water 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 those barges far ahead. Chorus How my heart longs to sail away with you As you sail across the ocean blue But I must stay beside my window drear As I watch you sail away from here. Chorus
Bridge Over Troubled WaterI’ll be your bridge o’er troubled water When you’re down (when you’re down) I will carry you, like a bridge o’er troubled water I will lay me down. When you're weary, feeling small, when tears are in your eyes, I’ll dry them all. I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough and friends just can't be found, like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down. When you're down and out, when you're on the street, when evening falls so hard, I’ll comfort you. I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes and pain is all around, like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down. Sail on silver girl, sail on by. Your time has come to shine, all your dreams are on their way. See how they shine, oh, if you ever need a friend, look around, I'm sailing right behind Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind. Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind.
Building BridgesBuilding bridges between our divisions I reach out to you, will you reach out to me? With all of our voices and all of our visions Friends, we could make such sweet harmony. (May be sung as a round with 'Vine and Fig Tree.' I brought this to camp in '05, I think, after learning this and 'Vine and Fig Tree' from a chorus director.)
CelebrateIf I touch one someone with my song Somewhere in this whole world round, And that someone somewhere starts to sing along That would be the sweetest sound. And if I make a little magic with my words, In something that I write or say; Then I know my message is bound to be heard. And I'll give something to the world in my own way. Just a spark of inspiration Lights a fire deep inside I'll use my imagination To create my work with pride and Chorus: Celebrate the girl inside of me Celebrate the woman I will be I will sing out my own melody When we celebrate, celebrate together There's a world of wonders to explore And I hear it calling out to me Now I'm getting ready everyday to open the door Make my way and see what I can see I'll fly the sky and sail the ocean Climb the mountain to the top Now my life is set in motion Here I go no I won't stop, I’ll Chorus Standing in a circle with my sisters Arm in arm with friends Girl Scouts together, united I pledge once again Chorus 2x
Change the WorldChorus: Change the world, come with me Time to let our dreams fly free. And it comes so easily, that is our way. Every moment we're alive, it's our love that will survive, In the Girl Scouts, together, we change the world. Sisters of every color, and friends from everywhere. We all make the difference, when we show the world we care. The Girl Scouts are our family, And they show us what we can be And I believe, together, we change the world. Chorus In a world of many faces, Girl Scouts find a way To help in many places, along the trails we blaze. We'll light the light and do our share, Reach out your hand and someone's there, And I believe, together, we change the world. Chorus
Cuckoo/‘Twas On/Mr. Moon‘Twas on a summer’s evening I walked the forest through. When suddenly I heard it: A sweet and low cuckoo. Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo-koo-koo-koo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo-koo-koo-koo! Mr. Moon, Mr. Moon, You’re out too soon. The sun is still in the sky. Go back to bed And cover up your head. And wait ‘till the day goes by! (Verses can be sung in rounds in any combination.)
Come and GoCome and go with me today We will sail across the bay. Repeat. (Is always done with sign language for the lyrics. Second verse, half of singers may take descant.)
CornWhat did we do when we needed corn? We plowed and we sewed ‘til the early morn. What did we do when we needed corn? We plowed and we sewed ‘til the early morn. Chorus: For our hands are strong *hold out hands* Our hearts are young *cross hands over heart* Our dreams are the dreams of *clap* all ages. Gotta keep a dream, a keep a dreamin’ on. What did we no when we needed a town? We hammered and we nailed ‘til the sun went down. What did we no when we needed a town? We hammered and we nailed ‘til the sun went down. Chorus What shall we do when there’s peace to be won When it’s more than a man can do alone? So we’ll gather all our friends from the ends of the earth To celebrate at the hour of birth. We’ll plow, we’ll sew, we’ll hammer and we’ll nail We’ll work all day til peace is real Chorus Mmm, mmm, mmm-mm Corn.
Circle GameYesterday, a child went out to wander Caught a dragonfly inside a jar Fearful when the sky was full of thunder And tearful at the falling of a star Chorus: And the seasons they go 'round and 'round And the painted ponies go up and down We're captive on the carousel of time We can't return we can only look behind From where we came And go round and round and round In the circle game Then, the child moved ten times 'round the seasons Skated over ten clear frozen streams Words like, "When you're older", must appease her And promises of someday make her dreams Chorus Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now Cartwheels turn to car wheels through the town They say, "Take your time. It won't be long now. 'Til your drag your feet to slow that circle down" Chorus So the years spin by and now the child is twenty Though her dreams have lost some grandeur coming true There'll be new dreams, maybe better dreams and plenty Before the last revolving year is through. Chorus
Dona Nobis Pacem Dona nobis pacem Dona nobis pacem. (There are many tunes, and they can all be sung together in any combination. Typically the ‘melody,’ a descant, and a harmony. Which is which is debatable.) Epo Epo e tai-tai ey-oh, Epo e tai-tai ey-oh. Epo e tai-tai epo e tooki-tooki Epo e tooki-tooki ey-oh. (May be a round.) Flicker The flicker of the campfire, the wind in the pines, The moon in the heavens, the stars that shine, A place where people gather to make friends of all kinds, A place where all men's troubles are always left behind. Chorus So, give me the light of the campfire, warm and bright, Give me some friends I can sing with, I'll be here all night. Love is for those who find it; I've found mine right here, Just you and me and the campfire, and the songs we love to hear. Do-do, do-doodley-doodley-do, so-- *Modulate up half step and repeat chorus.* French Cathedrals (1) Orleans, (2) Beaugency (3) Notre Dame de Clery Vendome, Vendome (Written to be sung in three-part round. This one died out for a while, but thankfully it's back. If it's sung right, it should sound like bells ringing!) A Friendly World Chorus: I want to live in a friendly world, A friendly world, a friendly world. I want to live in a friendly world That's kind to folks like me. If I run short of a bowl of rice And my next door neighbor's in, I want to know that she won't say no To the color of my skin, Or, the church I worship in, Or, the place from whence I came, Or, my great-grandfather's naaaame, oh, Chorus (I learned this in summer '06, probably from one of our Seven Hills transplants. This is jazzier and more upbeat than lots of campfire songs, but I think it still fits.) Friendship Shall Be Friendship Shall be For you And me. Friendship Shall be For you And me. *Hum tune.* (Rhythm throughout: pat legs twice, and four quick handclaps per line.) Friendship Is Friendship is a shining thing A steady beam of light A lantern on a darkened street A song far in the night. A smile, a touch of a loving hand A quiet place on a hill And oh! A happy little child, Bringing home a daffodil! Friendship is a binding tie Of one soul to another A gentle soft relationship As children to father and mother Raindrops sparkling on an autumn leaf, A quiet place on a hill And oh! A happy little child, Bringing home a daffodil! Friendship is a happy thought A warmness in your heart Friends are those who understand And friends will never part. For two people very much in love In a life that's never still And oh! A happy little child, Bringing home a daffodil! Gypsy Song Chorus: May all of your dreams bloom like daisies in the sun May you always have stars in your eyes May you not stop running out until your race is run May you always have blue skies. A dream is something you can have To hold within your heart To build on when you're sad Or when your world's been torn apart A dream is something you can have That no one else can steal A dream is something you can make come real Chorus Now you can share your smile with any stranger on the street Or you can share your money with a beggar that you meet But you can only share a dream when love has set it free Please won't you share yours with me? Chorus Green Trees Green trees around us Blue skies above. Friends all around us in a world filled with love. Taps sounding softly Hearts beating true As we all say good-night to you. (Traditionally sang 'Green Trees,' 'Peace,' 'Taps,' and 'Timbercrest.') Happiness Runs Happiness runs in a circular motion Love is like a little boat upon the sea. Everybody is a part of everything, everywhere. You can be yourself if you let yourself be! Why-o? Because. Why-o? Because! Happiness runs, happiness runs, happiness Happiness runs, happiness runs, runs! Happiness runs, happiness runs, happiness Happiness runs, happiness runs, runs! (See note on verse order for Cuckoo. There is some debate as to whether this is a daytime or campfire song. Best sung somewhere echo-y.) Hello, Hello Hello, hello 2x I hear you over there 2x When you’re in a cave 2x Echoes come from everywhere. 2x *Repeat first verse* Good-bye, good-bye 2x So long, so long 2x Thank you for your company 2x Thank you for your song. 2x. Good-bye, good bye (I hear my echo singing) So long, so long (Upon the rocks it’s ringing): Thank you for your company, thank you for your song. (Divide into two groups, one leading and one repeating. First group sings first, third, and final lines of last verse, second sings second, fourth, and last.) I Know a Place I know a place where no one ever goes, There's peace and quiet, beauty and repose. It's hidden in a valley, beside a mountain stream, And lying there beside the stream I find that I can dream. Only a place of beauty to the eye, Snow capped mountains towering in the sky, Now, I know, that God has made this world for me. One can imagine herself but in a dream, Climbing up a mountain, or down a long ravine. The magic of this peace and quiet evermore shall stay, To make this place a haven, each and every day. Oh how I wish I'd never have to leave All of my life, such beauty to receive, Now, I know, that God has made this world for me. I Like the Flowers I like the flowers *Spread hands around face* I like the daffodils *Make a daffodil ‘grow’ with your hands* I like the mountains *Make mountain peaks* I like the rolling hills *Make the hills ‘roll’ like in Alice the Camel* I like the campfire when all the lights are low *Lower spirit fingers* Boom-de-ah-da, boom-de-ah-da, boom-de-ah-da, boom-de-ah-da *Repeat, ending with the word ‘boom’* I’m On My Way I’m on my way 2x To the freedom land 2x I’m on my way 2x To the freedom land 2x I’m on my way 2x To the freedom land 2x I’m on my way, *clap* thank God I’m on my way. I’ll ask a friend 2x To come along with me 2x I’ll ask a friend 2x To come along with me 2x I’ll ask a friend 2x To come along with me 2x I’m on my way, *clap* thank God I’m on my way. And if she won’t go 2x Then I will go alone 2x And if she won’t go 2x Then I will go alone 2x And if she won’t go 2x Then I will go alone 2x I’m on my way, *clap* thank God I’m on my way. I’m on my way 2x And I won’t turn back 2x I’m on my way 2x And I won’t turn back 2x I’m on my way 2x And I won’t turn back 2x I’m on my way, *clap* thank God I’m on my way. In a Cabin In a cabin in the woods *Trace a square in the air* A little old man by the window stood *Shade eyes* Saw a rabbit hopping sore *Make a rabbit with two fingers* Knocking at his door *Knock* ‘Help me, help me, help me!’ said, *Throw up hands and squeak* ‘Or the hunter will shoot me dead.’ *Make a gun* ‘Come little rabbit come inside, *Motion inside* ‘Safely to abide.’ *Stroke a rabbit.* (Repeat, dropping lines and humming them each time. Last two lines usually are not hummed, song just ends.) Jamie Boy Chorus: Jamie boy, Jamie boy, I see you walking by the water, The water, the water, blue water. My Jamie boy, Jamie boy, I see you walking all alone, Why are you walking all alone? Somebody should be walking with Jamie Boy, Should be talking with Jamie Boy, somebody I know. Dooba, Dooba, Dooba, Dooba. Chorus Can't you see who is eager to walk with you, Who is eager to talk with you? Somebody I know. Dooba, Dooba, Dooba, Dooba. Chorus It is I, who is eager to walk with you, Who is eager to talk with you. I love you so. Dooba, Dooba, Dooba, Dooba. chorus 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 Swift as a silver fish Canoe of birch bark By mighty waterways Carry me forth Chorus My heart is sick for thee Here in the lowlands I will return to thee Hills of the north Chorus High on a rocky ledge I'll build my wigwam Close to the water's edge Silent and still Linger Mm-mm, I want to linger Mm-mm, a little longer Mm-mm, a little longer here with you. Mm-mm, it's such a perfect night Mm-mm, it doesn't seem quite right Mm-mm, that this should be my last with you. Mm-mm, and come September Mm-mm, I will remember Mm-mm, our camping days and friendships true. Mm-mm, and as the years go by Mm-mm, I'll think of you and sigh Mm-mm, this is good-night and not good-bye Mm-mm. Little Drop of Dew Little drop of dew, Like a gem you are; I believe that you Must have been a star. When the day is bright, On the grass you lie; Tell me then, at night Are you in the sky? Love You Give a little time to the child within you. Don't be afraid to be young and free Undo the locks and throw away the key and Take off your shoes and run you. Run through the meadow and scare up all the milking cows, Run down the beach kicking clouds of sand. Walk a windy weather day, Feel your face blow away, Stop and listen: love you. Roll like a circus clown, Put away your circus frown, Ride a roller coaster upside down. Waltzing Matilda, Carey love a kinkachoo, Joey catch a kangaroo, Hug you. Dandelions, milkweeds, silky on a summer sky, Reach out and hitch a ride, Float on by. Balloons down below, Blooming colors of the rainbow, Red, green and yellow, blue, love you. Cowboys and Indians, Puppy dogs and sand pails. Beachballs and baseballs and basketballs too. Now I love forget-me-nots, fluffernutter sugarpops. I'll hug you and kiss you and love you. (I first heard this one from Volcano in summer '06-- apparently it's quite popular at Seven Hills. This may well be the cutest song ever.) Magic When I was young I thought the stars were made for wishing on And every hole deep in a tree must hide a leprechaun Old houses all had secret rooms, if one could find the key I do believe in magic, I believe. Chorus: Magic is the song that makes a rainbow out of rain And magic keeps the dream alive to try and try again Magic is the love that stays when good friends have to leave I do believe in magic, I believe. Growing up, the grown-ups said, one day I'd wake to find That magic was a childhood game I'd have to leave behind Like clothes that would no longer fit or toys that I'd ignore I'd not believe in magic anymore. Chorus When I grew up, I found again, that much to my surprise Magic did not fade away, it took a new disguise: A child, the touch of a loving hand, the courage to stand tall I do believe in magic after all. Chorus I do believe in magic for love's the greatest magic I do believe in magic, I believe Make New Friends Make new friends but keep the old One is silver and the other’s gold. A circle is round, it has no end. That’s how long I want to be your friend. (Sung as a round.) Moon on the Meadow Moon on the meadow, bugs in our ears Smoke in our eyes, Wet wood and tears. Up on the meadow; water somewhere: We were the only ones there. Wild horse to slushy Dry lakes and peaks Finding the love that everyone seeks. Hiking to rainbows, sunsets and stars: Just finding out who we are. We shall return here one lucky day. Our hearts will guide us, they know the way. People in cities don’t understand Falling in love with the land. Moon on the meadow, bugs in our ears Smoke in our eyes, Wet wood and tears. Up on the meadow; water somewhere: With you my friend I am there. *Hum last line again* Music Alone Shall Live All things shall perish from under the sky. Music alone shall live, music alone shall live, Music alone shall live, Never to die. (Sung as a round.) One Tin Soldier Listen, children, to a story That was written long ago, 'Bout a kingdom on a mountain And the valley-folk below. On the mountain was a treasure Buried deep beneath the stone, And the valley-people swore They'd have it for their very own. Chorus: Go ahead and hate your neighbor, Go ahead and cheat a friend. Do it in the name of Heaven, You can justify it in the end. There won't be any trumpets blowing Come the judgment day, On the bloody morning after... One tin soldier rides away. So the people of the valley Sent a message up the hill, Asking for the buried treasure, Tons of gold for which they'd kill. Came an answer from the kingdom, "With our brothers we will share All the secrets of our mountain, All the riches buried there." Chorus Now the valley cried with anger, "Mount your horses! Draw your sword!" And they killed the mountain-people, So they won their just reward. Now they stood beside the treasure, On the mountain, dark and red. Turned the stone and looked beneath it... "Peace on Earth" was all it said. Chorus (Start low or no one will be able to hit the chorus, or you’ll have to modulate. Depends on whether you’re singing the Joni Mitchell version or not. :) This one appeared on camp around 2005, if I recall.) On My Honor Chorus: On my honor, I will try There's a duty to be done and I say, "Aye" There's reason here for a reason above My honor is to try and my duty is to love People don't need to know my name If I've done any harm, then I'm to blame If I've helped someone, then I've helped me If I've opened up my eyes to see Chorus Tucked away a song or two If you're feeling low, there's one for you If you need a friend, then I will come There's plenty more where I come from Chorus Come with me where the fire burns bright We can even see better by candlelight And you’ll get more meaning in a campfire's glow Than you’ll ever learn in a year or so Chorus Made a promise to always keep And pray softly before we sleep We'll be Girl Scouts together and when we're done We'll still be a-trying and a-singing our song Chorus My honor is to try and my duty is to love. On the Loose Did you ever watch the sunrise turn the sky completely red, Have you slept beneath the moon and stars, a pine bough for your bed Did you sit and talk with friends, though a word was never said, Then you're just like me and you've been on the loose. Chorus: On the loose to climb a mountain, On the loose where I am free. On the loose to live my life, the way I think my life should be, For I've only got a moment and a whole world yet to see. I'll be looking for tomorrow on the loose. There's a trail that I'll be hiking just to see where it might go. Many places yet to visit, many people yet to know, For in following in my dreams, I will live and I will grow, On a trail that's waiting out there on the loose. Chorus So in search of love and laughter, I'll be traveling cross this land Never sure of where I'm going, for I haven't got a plan, So in time when you are ready, come and join me and take my hand, And together we'll share life out there on the loose. Chorus In this world that I am traveling, I will think of you this way, Remembering your smile, for it seems like yesterday When we slept beneath the stars, and we dreamed about this day Now we have come together on the loose. Chorus Do the trees in the forest make you sit and think of love? Does it take you twenty times or more to count the stars above? For I'm here now and I like it and the hours melt away, And if I want I'll stay here another day. Chorus As I sit and watch the sunset and the daylight softly fades, I am thinking of tomorrow and the friendships we have made. I will value them for always and I hope you'll do the same, And forever we'll explore life on the loose. Chorus Now the moon is softly glowing and the stars are twinkling bright Our laughter and our friendship have cleared this cloudy night Come and join our flickering campfire, come and sing our happy songs And together we'll share life out on the loose. Chorus Peace Peace I ask of thee oh river, Peace, peace, peace. When I learn to live serenely, Cares will cease. From the hills I gather courage, Visions of the day to be. Strength to lead and strength to follow: All are given unto me. Peace I ask of thee oh river, Peace, peace, peace. Pooh Corner Christopher Robin and I walked along Under branches lit up by the moon. Posing our questions to Owl and Eeyore As our days disappeared all too soon. But I’ve wandered much further today that I should And I can’t seem to find my way back to the wood, so Chorus Help me if you can, I’ve got to get Back to the house at Pooh Corner by one. You’d be surprised there’s so much to be done. Count all the bees in the hive. Chase all the clouds from the sky. Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh. Winnie-the-Pooh doesn’t know what to do Got a honey-jar stuck on his nose. He came to me asking help and advice And from there no one knows where he goes. But I sent him to ask of the Owl if he’s there How to loosen a jar from the nose of a Bear, so Chorus, minus last line, then Back to the days of Christopher Robin Back to the way of Christopher Robin Back to the days of Pooh... Puff the Magic Dragon Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee, Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff, and brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff. Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff's gigantic tail, Noble kings and princes would bow whene'er they came, Pirate ships would lower their flag when Puff roared out his name. A dragon lives forever but not so little boys Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys. One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more And Puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar. His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain, Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane. Without his life-long friend, Puff could not be brave, So Puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave. Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee, Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff, and brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff. Purple Lights Purple lights *others repeat* In the canyon * That’s where I * Long to be * With my three * Good companions * My rifle *make finger gun*, my pony *hold reins*, and me. *point at self* Whip-or-will * In the willows * Sings a soft * Melody * For my three * Good companions * *Repeat rifle, pony, and me* No more cows * To be ropin’ * No more strays * Shall I see * Just my three * Good companions * *Repeat rifle, pony, me* Gonna hang * My sombrero * On the limb * Of a tree * With my three * Good companions * *Repeat rifle, pony, and me* Rose Rose, Rose, Rose, Rose Will I ever see thee wed? I will marry at thy will, Sire, at thy will. Ding-dong, ding-dong. Wedding bells on an April morn Carve thy name on a moss-covered stone On a moss-covered stone. Descant at same time as second verse. Small group or solo: Ah, poor bird Take thy flight High above the shadows of this dark night. Rainbow of Children Chorus: We're a rainbow made of children We're an army, just singin’ our song There's no weapons that can stop us Rainbow love is much too strong I was raised in Mississippi Saying, "yes, sir" to all the men But I found it got me nowhere So I've never said it again Chorus I was taught that black was evil I was taught that white was good But you become a rainbow All the colors are understood Chorus It's the winning that's important Not the way the game is played That's the way some folks see it But that's not how peace is made Chorus Now the rainbow’s all kinds of people Standing together, hand in hand At the end of the rainbow There’ll be peace throughout the land. Rover See those clouds rain on their way See those stars, shining so gay Hear the wind in the tall pine trees And you'll know exactly why I'm free Chorus: I am a Rover, rolling along Rover, singing a song I am a Rover, until the day I die Have few friends, but they are true The mountains, the flowers, the stream so blue I'm just a wanderer, never standing still And I must go onwards to that hill Chorus Through this world I'm bound to roam Without a bed, a fire or a home But I have a friend and a friend that is true And that my comrade, that is you Chrous ...until the day I die. Run, River, Run If you've been thinking you're all that you've got, Then don't feel alone anymore. When we're together, then we’ve got a lot, For I am the river and you are the shore. Chorus: And it goes on and on, watching the river run, Further and further from things that we've done, Leaving them one by one. And we have just begun watching the river run. Listening, learning and yearning; Run, river, run. Winding and swirling and dancing along, We pass by the old willow tree The people all smiled as we sang them our song, Rejoicing together when we greet the sea. Chorus If you’ve been letting your life get you down, Perhaps you’ve forgotten to smile. Each person has problems each person has pains But I’ll give you comfort and stay for a while. Chorus Say When Say when Will we ever meet again, say when Will we ever meet again, say when Will we ever meet again Say when, my friend, say when. Say where And I’ll meetcha right there, say where... Say why Do we have to say good-bye, say why... Say when Will we ever meet again, say where And I’ll meetcha right there, say why Do we have to say good-bye, say when, say where, say why. Ship in the Harbor Like a ship in the harbor Like a mother and child Like a light in the darkness I’ll hold you a while. Like a rock in the water I’ll cradle you deep And hold you while angels Sing you to sleep. Sing Your Way Home Sing your way home at the end of the day Sing you way home, drive the shadows away. Smile every mile, for where ever you roam It will brighten your road It will lighten your load If you sing your way home. (I tried to teach this in summer 2006, but to my shame, I completely forgot what the third line was! Eek!) Suitors There are suitors at my door, oh-a-lay-a-pa-kee-ah Six or eight or even more, oh-a-lay-a-pa-kee-ah And my father wants me wed, oh-a-lay-a-pa-kee-ah Or at least that’s what he said, oh-a-lay-a-pa-kee-ah. Chorus Oh-lay-oh-lah Oh-a-lay-a-pa-kee-ah Oh-lay-oh-lah Oh-a-lay-a-pa-kee-ah Oh-lay-oh-lah Oh-a-lay-a-pa-kee-ah Chorus And I told him that I will * When the rivers run uphill * And the fish begin to fly * Or the day before I die. * Chorus And my father said to me * You will marry and you’ll seen * That your dream swill all come true * In a paradise for two. * Chorus And so marry now I will * For the rivers run uphill * And the fish began to fly * And tomorrow I must die. * Chorus And my father he was right * I’m a mother and a wife * And my dreams have come to be * In a paradise for three. * (Last verse is anti-feminist version, and is thusly optional.) Taps (Night, Day, and Canadian/Alternate) Night: Day is done, gone the sun From the lakes, from the hills, From the skies. All is well, safely rest. God is nigh. Day: Thanks and praise For our days ‘Neath the sun, ‘neath the stars, ‘neath the skies As we go, this we know: God is nigh. Canadian/Alternate: Come all, say good-night As the shadows still cling to the edge of night. With each burning dying ember there are friendships to remember As we say-- One last good night. Through Children’s Eyes Once there was a tiger, a tiny little tiger Playing with his tiger toys But his nursemaid made him so afraid he didn’t dare make a noise. What happened to that tiger, that tiny little tiger, Who never learned to roar? He’s just a mat, stretched out flat On somebody’s bathroom floor. Chorus: All we’re sayin’ is: Hey, Jimmy, Joe, John, Jim and Jack Even little whatevers loose their knack When somebody twice their size Can’t see the world through children’s eyes. Once there was a beagle, a happy little beagle Following his tail around But his mother said ‘Go straight to bed and don’t make a single sound!’ What happened to that beagle, that happy little beagle Who never learned to bay? Some burglars came into his home And he turned his tail and ran away! Chorus Once there was a bunny, a fluffly little bunny Through the piney woods he’d roam But his mother cried, ‘Come back inside! A bunny belongs at home!’ What happened to that bunny, that fluffy little bunny Who never learned to hop? Because that bunny never learned to hop He’s hangin’ in a butcher shop! All we’re sayin’ is: Hey, Jimmy, Jack, John, Jim and Joe When you have your own kids, let them know Even though you are twice their size You can still see through children’s eyes. Timbercrest Have you sat by the glow of our campfire As the flames cast a flickering light? Or heard the last call of our blackbird As she settles down for the night? Spent an afternoon listening to raindrops Falling soft on the top of your tent. Seen the lake as it shimmers at sunset And consider that moment well-spent. Were you there in the years when the heron Circled high over Jackman’s Bay? Seen the flash of the sun on your paddle As you glided across Keyser Lake? Can you find a red eft in the forest? Do you know where the eagles nest? If you do, then you’ll always remember: You’re part of Timbercrest. (If anyone can tell me who originally wrote this song, I'd really appreciate it! It's been driving me nuts for ages.) Tongo Tongo *repeat* Chimney-by-by-oh * Tongo * Mm-body-kim-by-oh * Oh-ah-lay * Molly-call-a-way * (Repeat 3 times, getting softer until everyone is whispering.) Vine and Fig Tree And every one 'neath their vine and fig tree Shall live in peace and unafraid. (2x) And into plough shares turn their swords Nations shall learn war no more. (2x) Lo yisa goy el goy cherev Lo yilmedu od milchama. (4x) Walk, Shepherdess, Walk Walk, shepherdess, walk And I’ll walk too To find the ram with the ebony horn and the gold-footed ewe. The lamb with fleece of silver like summer seafoam The whether with the crystal bell that leads them all home. So walk, shepherdess, walk And I’ll walk too And if we never find them, I shan’t mind, shall you. Whene’er You Make a Promise Whene'er you make a promise, consider well its importance, And, when made, engrave it upon your heart. Where Does the Wind Come From? Where does the wind come from? Does anybody know-oh? Where does the wind come from Before it starts to blow-oh? On Saturday night Where does he hang his hat? Does anybody know-oh where the wind is at? Where does the wind come from? Does anybody know-oh, a-oh-oh, a-oh-oh-oh-oh. White Coral Bells White coral bells upon a slender stalk: Lily-of-the-valley deck my garden walk. Oh, don’t you wish that you could hear them ring! That will happen only when the fairies sing. Who Can Sail Who can sail where there is no wind Without oars to be rowing? Who can sail far away from friends Without tears a-flowing? I can sail where there is no wind Without oars to be rowing. But I can’t sail away from friends Without tears a-flowing. Wildflower She was a wildflower Blooming in her meadow Touched by the morning sun, Sheltered by a stone. All who beheld her wondered at her loveliness And vowed they would have her for their own. Wildflower, innocent and free I’ll take you home to my garden. Wildflower, you belong to me You belong to me. Gently I picked her up Lovingly I planted her. But it was not to be She missed her meadow home. And in the evening, she bowed her head in sorrow Never more to see her morning sun. Wildflower, innocent and free I’ll take you home to your meadow. Wildflower, soon you will be free Soon you will be free.
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