| |
Lyrics to "Wide
Wide World" CD
Wide Wide World
Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Introduction
When you meet someone who you don’t know, and you don’t know the someone’s name
You will find there are many differences, but some things are the same
Diversity in people is what makes the world go ‘round
There are differences in background but we share the common ground
Chorus:
It’s a Wide, Wide World with, Oh, so many places
It’s a Wide, Wide World with, Oh, so many faces
We’re all here together
Spinning on our blue planet in space
We don’t all look the same
But we’re all part of the human race
Just think about your favorite food – macaroni and cheese? And what if your mother gave that to you every single night for dinner – that would get boring wouldn’t it?
And what if you sat down to color with your favorite color – pink? And everything you colored could only be pink – that would get boring too!
Just think about visiting the zoo
And if they only had elephants
Just think about how boring that would be
But instead we’re lucky to be part of this fantastic zoo called Earth
Where I can be me, and you can be you, and you and you and you and you, wow!
Chorus
Sometimes we all disagree
I even fight with my own brother
It’s best all around if we
Take a breath, take the time, talk it out, then we find
We still respect and love one another – Why?!
Chorus
So when you meet someone new
Don’t look at what he’s got or what he’s not
You can surely make a friend if you take the time
To find out what he’s about
Chorus
|
Penguin Dance
Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Back Story: While playing Old MacDonald at the library, Lindsey insisted on putting a penguin on the farm. When I asked her what the penguin said, she got up and did this cool little dance. Great idea!
Burr!
You gotta jump, you gotta slide
You gotta flap your wings like you’re trying to fly
You gotta rock, you gotta roll
You gotta shake your belly like jelly in a bowl
Do the Penguin, Do the Penguin, Do the Penguin dance
FREEZE
You gotta twist, you gotta shout
You’ve waddle, waddle, waddle all about
You’ve gotta hip, you’ve gotta hop
You’ve gotta hippity hop and you cannot stop yeah
Do the Penguin, Do the Penguin, Do the Penguin dance
FREEZE
Go little penguin (Go, Go, Go)
Go little penguin (do it in the snow)
Go little penguin (Go, Go, Go )
Yeah Go, go, go. OK take it down real low
See if you can do this dance with me
Jump, Jump Jump Jump
Jump, waddle waddle waddle, jump
Jump waddle waddle waddle, jump
Jump waddle waddle waddle , twist, twist
Jump waddle waddle waddle , twist, twist
Go little penguin (Go, Go, Go)
Go little penguin (do it in the snow)
Go little penguin (Go, Go, Go )
Come on know go ,Go, go, go.
Burr!
You gotta Jump, you gotta slide
You gotta flap your wings like you’re trying to fly
You gotta rock, you gotta roll
You gotta shake your belly like jelly in a bowl
Do the Penguin, Do the Penguin, Do the Penguin dance
FREEZE
Do the Penguin, Do the Penguin, Do the Penguin dance
FREEZE
|
Once an Austrian
Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Traditional with new words by Amy Skelton Otey Arranged by Alex Otey
Back Story: This was a Girl Scout favorite. We sure had fun interrupting the Austrian with a myriad of strange animals. I wanted the kids to have an opportunity to participate with instrument sounds and layered rhythms.
Once an Austrian went yodeling on a mountain so high
When she met with a tuba player interrupting her cry
Yo-le-dee
Yo-de-leh-he-oo-ho yodel-a-he who (Om- pa – pa)
Yo-de-leh-he-oo-ho yodel-a-he who (Om- pa – pa)
Yo-de-leh-he-oo-ho yodel-a-he who (Om- pa – pa)
Yodel – eh- he oo – Yo –oo
Drummer (rat – a – tat – tat)
trumpeter (toot-toot)
flute player (da-da-da-da-da-da-da)
So this Austrian got clever and she started a band
They made beautiful music
All throughout the land (All together)
Yo leh- he…
….
|
Princess Power
Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Back Story: Princesses are everywhere. I love the idea of the fairytale but other than dressing up in pretty clothes and waiting for rescue from another person, little seems to go on. I wanted to empower the princess, encouraging her to follow HER passion leading to happily-ever-now-and-after. Besides – RAPunzuel was just dying for an update!
Chorus: Princess Power (We’ve got the power)
Princess Power (You’ve got the power)
Princess Power (I’ve got the power)
I won’t live in any tower but you can call me Princess
My name is Rapunzel, and here’s what I’ve got to say
I got tired of waiting for my Prince to come some iffy, iffy day
So, I got smart and made a new start and decided to test my will
I cut my hair that went down to there and I stuck it out the sill
Then I climbed down and went to town and opened up my biz
Now I style hair and I do do’s at this I am a wiz
Chorus
One day I’m sitting in the Starbuck drinking mocha latté
In walks this chick with long blonde hair she orders a frittata
I said come on over, have a seat ,and tell me the news
Don’t leave anything out and tell me about those shoes
My name is Cinderella. Call me Cindy for short
I too am a Princess but I’m also a good sport
When I got married to my Prince and accepted his ring
I realized I liked to work, with shoes I’ve had this thing
So I grew my business, I just love designing footwear
Now my shoes sell like crazy, nothing can compare
Chorus
Excuse me ladies may I join in your little kafeeklatch?
My name is Snow White and I have to tell you much
I was living with these seven dwarfs, and they all had little beards
Cooking, cleaning, keeping house but it was kinda weird
So I took a trip up to the mountains, skiing and snowboarding
Then I opened up my school, I call it Snow Cavorting
Chorus
Spoken: Hey, who’s that snoozing at the corner table there
I don’t know, but lets go wake her – WAKE UP
Yawn, My name is Sleeping Beauty and need a double espresso
See I have to wake up before I make my way to Fresno
You think I’d have had enough of sleeping under that evil spell
Instead a nap helps me think and that I do quite well
Now I’ve started on the lecture circuit with siesta recreation
Bringing peace and joy to the world, with micro meditation
Chorus
We are four Princesses and we’ve each made a difference
To be happily ever after, you have to live hence
Think about your future and always do your best
Focus on your interests and don’t worry about the rest
Remember you’ve got power to make good choices and to win
Just learn to trust yourself and let it all begin
Chorus
|
Turn The World Around
© 1974 Harry Belefonte and Robert Freedman
Used with permission, Wide Wide World Collection 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Backstory: Harry Belefonte sang this song on a Muppets show in the 1970's. Later this song was performed at Jim Henson's funeral. I believe this song represents the respect we should all show toward each other as well as the interconnectivity of the world. I was pleased that we were able to secure license for it to include in this CD and that we included a children's ensemble in our arrangement.
We come from the fire, Livin' in the fire
Go back to the fire, Turn the world around
We come from the water, Livin' in the water
Go back to the water, Turn the world around
We come from the mountain, Livin' on the mountain
Go back to the mountain, Turn the world around
Oh, oh so is life, Oh, oh so is life
Oh, oh so is life, Oh, oh so is life
Do you know who I am, Do I know who you are
See we one another clearly, Do we know who we are
Oh, oh so is life, A ba tee wah ha so is life
Oh, oh so is life, A ba tee wah ha so is life
Water make the river, River wash the mountain
Fire make the sunlight, Turn the world around
Heart is of the river, Body is the mountain
Spirit is the sunlight, Turn the world around
We are of the spirit, Truly of the spirit
Only can the spirit, Turn the world around
We are of the spirit, Truly of the spirit
Only can the spirit, Turn the world around
Do you know who I am, Do I know who you are
See we one another clearly, Do we know who we are
Oh, oh so is life, A ba tee wah ha so is life
Oh, oh so is life, A ba tee wah ha so is life
So is life, so is life
So is life, so is life.
|
Old MacDonald had a Vowel Farm
Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Traditional with new words and arrangement
Back Story: Well it just seemed kind of silly to me for the kids to be singing E-I-E-I-O when they could be mastering some phonic skills to help build a foundation for reading.
My oldest son has struggled with reading and I wonder if it might have been easier for him had I taken every opportunity to reinforce the basics.
Chorus: Old MacDonald had a vowel farm A – E – I – O – U,
Y?
Because he wanted to build some words A – E – I – O – U- Y ?
With a short a here : ăăă
And a long a there: ĀĀĀ
āā ĀĀ āā ĀĀ
Old MacDonald had a vowel farm A – E – I – O – U
Chorus:
With a short e here: ĕĕĕ
And a long e there: ĒĒĒ
ĕ ĕ ĒĒ ĕĕ ĔĔ
Old MacDonald had a vowel farm A – E – I – O – U
Chorus
With a short i here :ĭ ĭ ĭ
And a long i there :Ī Ī Ī
ĭ ĭ Ī Ī ĭ ĭ Ī Ī
Old MacDonald had a vowel farm A – E – I – O – U
Chorus
With a short o here: ŏ ŏ ŏ
And a long o there: Ō Ō Ō
ŏŏ ŌŌ ŏŏ ŌŌ
Old MacDonald had a vowel farm A – E – I – O – U
Chorus
With a short u here: ŭŭŭ
And a long u there: ŪŪŪ
ŭŭ ŪŪ ŭŭ ŪŪ
Old MacDonald had a vowel farm A – E – I – O – U
Chorus
Mr. Y, we need to talk…
Mr. MacDonald, we need to talk…
What a novel idea!
A – E – I – O - U
|
Giants and Dragons
Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Back Story: About 10 years ago my mother was teaching for a stint in Iceland. She brought back a tape for me of folk music, which I couldn’t stop listening to. I was drawn to the concept of mixed meter. This song migrates from 5/8 to 7/8 to 6/8 time. Using visual favorites (giants and dragons) and a strong authority figure (Mother Nature) and reminiscent of Little Rabbit Foo Foo, it draws awareness to our role on Earth as humans, stewards of Earth and it’s resources.
Giants are stomping and marching
Giants are stomping and marching
Making a mess of everything
Making a mess of everything //x2
They even cut down all of the forests
They even used up all the trees
Used them to make big toothpicks
Yes for their big teeth, for their big teeth
REPLY:
…Then along came Mother Nature and she said:
You giant giants do not seem to care; You’re hurting me not leaving anything to share
Remember I am true and just – you must learn
To treat me nicely or I will do what I must, dust to dust
I’ll give you 2 more chances - to learn to treat me nicely or I will turn you into thunder!
CHORUS
They peeled the wrappers off of candy
They made tons and tons of garbage –
And then they left it everywhere – everywhere
…. Then along came Mother Nature and she said (what a mess)
REPLY:
I’ll give you one more chance – then (thunder)
CHORUS
They drilled the earth and sucked out oil
They brought it out with super straws
They used it to light their big lamps
And burned them all day – and all night
…Then along came Mother Nature and she said
I’ve tried to teach you thoughtless giants – no matter what you will not listen
Remember I am true and just - you haven’t learned to treat me nicely
So I will do what I must – dust to dust and poof (thunder)
Remember the dragons?
Giants are playing with thunder; dragons are playing with lightning x2
Way, way up in the sky Yes Mother Nature put them up there
And if you’ve listened to the story – you’ll know why! You’ll know why
|
If You’re Happy And You Know It
Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Traditional – with new words
Back Story: This has been a favorite for many children because it encourages large movement and gives them something to do to participate in the song. I added some more movements and included the self-esteem builder, “If you’re happy you are you, shout horray!” I love hearing both the adults and kids shout really loud here.
If you’re happy and you know it tap your nose (on the outside)
If you’re happy and you know it tap your nose (on the outside)
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it tap your nose (on the outside)
If you’re happy and you know it, tap your toes
If you’re happy and you know it, tap your toes
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it, tap your toes
If you’re happy and you know it, touch your nose to your toes
If you’re happy and you know it, touch your nose to your toes
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it, touch your nose to your toes
Stick out your tongue
Give someone a tickle
Clap your hands
Tap your knees
Stomp your feet
Jump up and down
Spin like a helicopter
Fly like a jet
Swim like a fish
If you’re happy you are you – shout horray!
If you’re happy you are you – shout horray!
If you’re happy you are you, you know what to do
If you’re happy you are you – shout horray!
|
Road Alligator
Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Back Story: My mother, ever the imaginist and wordsmith, mentioned “road alligators” as a song topic after a road trip of driving through the Midwest. In response, Alex and I collaborated and came up with this song as a way to pass the time in the car. So what IS a road alligator? Those bits of tires that lie alongside the road!
Well have you seen and alligator on the road?
Driving down the highway, see them crawling all around
Road alligators going our way, North, West, East, or Southward bound
Gators with their rough dark skin some are flat some are bowed
Well have you seen an alligator on the road?
CHORUS: Road Alligator (Road Alligator)
Road Alligator (Road Alligator)
Sooner or later
You’ll see one too!
I spy another alligator over there!
Lying on the shoulder, he’s curled up for a nap
Hey, there is another one, awake and she is looking for a snack
How many gators have you counted, I think I’ve seen a load
Well have you seen an alligator on the road?
CHORUS
Truck horn
Guitar/ Banjo break
Woah! There’s a giant alligator up ahead!
This one’s has a long tail and skinny little feet
I wonder how he came so far along this busy street
I’ve seen them in the summer sun or even when it snows
Well have you seen an alligator on the road?
CHORUS
Well have you seen an alligator on the road?
|
Unity Cadence
Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Back Story: Our local elementary school uses these word as a basis of character development for the kids. In addition to their regular classrooms, the kids break into teams, each named after one characteristic, and made up of mixed ages K-5. Teams complete special projects together throughout the year. I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!
OK –Clap your hands. Be my echo!
1. I don’t know what you’ve been told //:
These little words are a good as gold //:
Learn them now, keep ‘em close to your heart //:
Repeat after me – HEY that’s a good start //:
Be Fair // Be responsible // Be kind // be truthful // Celebrate// Appreciate
2. Try it now stamping your feet, keep them moving to the beat
Care // Consider // Cooperate // Accept // Discuss// Improve// Include//
3. Snap your fingers all in time, alright now your doing fine
Love // Listen // Give// Forgive// Respect // Support
4. Slap your knees along with me, feel the beat and then you’ll see
Help // Hope // Share // Trust //Thank// Think, Think, Think, You Think
5. Think about what I’ve said, put it in your memory, put it in your head. Count it down from 4 to 1, say hurray and then we’re done
4 – 3 – 2 – 1 Hurray!
|
Say Something
Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Back Story: I wrote this originally as an adult song back in 1998. After revisiting it, I realized that it was really a children’s song and tweeked the verses a bit. It represents many levels of learning, speaking up and letting your gifts shine through.
There’s a little light shining in your heart
And a little light in your soul
You’ve got to learn to let it out
You’ve got to learn to let it show
[Chorus]
Why don’t you, say something for your
say something for your
say something for your
say something for yourself
|| ba da da da da ba ba ba ba|| x4
How they gonna know what you think?
How they gonna know what you feel?
Whaen you learn to use your words,
You learn to make it oh so real
Chorus
[Bridge]
And when you dream, you dream in silent pictures
and I dream in Technicolor rain
but if we all thought the same thing at the same time honey
wouldn’t that make us all the same?
Chorus
|
The Man In The Moon Will Never Know
Composed and written by Paul & Ethel Barnthouse
New Arrangement Alex Otey - Wide Wide World Collection, SR Copyright © 2005
Back Story: Written by my great-grandparents, Paul and Ethel Barnthouse who worked the railroad together in the Midwest. Ethel also played piano for silent pictures. Their other great favorite “The Termite Song” DIDN’T make it on this CD.
Last night I stood beside you, and gazed up at the sky
And held you close to me my dear as the moon was riding high
The man up yonder seemed to smile and say he understood,
How wonderful you are my love as if he ever could
CHORUS:
The man in the moon will never know, how wonderful you are.
Nor can he hear your tender voice, when he is up so far
He may rub elbows with sun and he may be very far
But the man in the moon will never know the lovelight in your eyes
Tonight we stood again and saw the man up in the moon.
He winks at me and thinks a harvest moon is coming soon
He knows each twinkling star by name though they are miles apart
But he will never know the thrill of loving you sweetheart.
CHORUS
Descant: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
|
Sofðu Unga Ástin Mín – Icelandic Folk Song
Wide Wide World Collection © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Back Story: Composer: Sigvaldur S Kaldalon
He composed over 100 famous Icelandic songs. He lived from 1881-1946 and was extremely revered by the Icelandic people. The text of the song originates from the poet Johann Sigurjonsson, who wrote a play about the people who were ostracized by society. The Ostracized distanced themselves from society and become like gypsies moving from place to place. They were always being chased away and killed.
In this song Halla, the wife of ostracized Fjalla-Eyvindur, sings her baby to sleep. They are on the run and hiding underground or in holes, from those who are trying to get them. This takes place spring, summer, fall and winter, almost 15 years. It was cruel and inhumane punishment that only few survived.
This song was brought to my attention about 10 years ago when my mother returned from a teaching stint in Iceland. I found the melody haunting and beautiful – though I never understood what it meant, as I do not speak Icelandic. Many people helped with this translation including a native Icelander – Sverrir Sigurdsson and a relative of a Kids’ Music Round family participant, Frauke Galia. I was moved by the sadness surrounding the history that motivated the poet and at one point I was tempted not to include this song in the CD. However, I came to the conclusion that regardless of circumstance suffering is a part of the human condition. It is a reoccurring theme that regardless of dire circumstance, we as parents strive to comfort our children.
Sofðu unga ástin mín,
úti regnið grætur.
Mamma geymir gullin þín
gamla leggi og völuskrín.
Sleep my daring baby sleep
Out the rains a crying
Mother will thy treasures keep
Worn out bones and pebble chests
We shall not stay awake during nights of darkness
|
Because
Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Back Story: Always brimming with questions, children never cease to amaze me that they do not shy away from the tough ones. My youngest son was the inspiration for this. So why do I love you? Because you are you!
You ask me why there’s blue in the sky and I reply because
You ask me why money time won’t buy and I reply because
You ask why we don’t have wings to fly, and I reply because
You ask me why it is that I love you, and I tell you true
Because you are you
I may not have all the answers; I still have a question or two
But one thing I know in my heart is my heart belongs to you
You ask why we don’t have wings to fly, and I reply because
You ask me why it is that I love you, and I tell you true
Because you are you
|
Irish Blessing
Wide Wide World Collection Copyright © 2005 Amy Skelton Otey
Traditional with new words
Back Story: Our choir sang a beautiful Acapella version of this in high school. I revisited it when my favorite coffeehouse, Failte, recently moved locations and painted the first verse on the walls as a border. It has become a tradition for me to end with this song when I sing there and wanting to tailor it as my wish for the children, I added the second verse. This song is also very important to me because it reminds me of the good people in my life including my cousin, Matthew. This was sung at his naming ceremony when he was adopted. Then, in 1998 an inexperienced driver who was showing off for his friends killed Matthew at 16. Though Matthew is no longer on this Earth, his love and spirit live on. A groundbreaking Coming of Age program at the Washington Ethical Society in Washington DC now bears his name, COA/MATT.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again , may God hold you in the palm of his hand
May your heart be always filled with laughter
May your sorrows be few and far between
May you always find the child within yourself
May you listen to the music of the world
And until we meet again, yes we will meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand
|
|
|
