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[Partner Song] Singing two different songs simultaneously! Nursery rhymes & the latest hits
A “partner song” refers to a combination of songs that share the same or similar chord progressions and create beautiful harmony when sung or performed simultaneously.
Famous examples include pairings of children’s songs and school songs like “Donguri Korokoro” and “Yuyake Koyake.” In recent years, however, popular creators have released duet videos that combine current hit songs, which has become a hot topic.
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of partner songs that go beyond conventional categories.
Try incorporating them into singing-based recreational activities, challenge yourself at karaoke, and enjoy these exquisite combinations in many different ways.
[Partner Song] Sing two different songs at the same time! Children's songs & latest hits (1–10)
Moon over the Ruined Castle × Mary Had a Little Lamb
Both songs are ones typically sung in kindergarten or elementary school, so you can probably sing them even without lyric sheets.
They also don’t require karaoke, so let’s just count in and sing them all the way through.
“Kōjō no Tsuki” is a work by Rentarō Taki, one of Japan’s most celebrated composers—a classic from the Shōwa era that carries a distinctly Japanese sense of melancholy.
“Mary Had a Little Lamb” is considered a nursery rhyme of American origin.
The darker arrangement of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” may feel odd at first, but as you sing it as a partner song, you’ll find you strangely get used to it!
Small World × If You’re Happy and You Know It
“It’s a Small World,” beloved as an iconic Disney theme song, and “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” based on an American folk tune, share similar styles and worlds, making them a perfect partner-song match! They’re fun for anyone to sing, from children to adults.
Since “It’s a Small World” has fewer words per measure, it might be easier to get pulled along by your partner.
Try singing them as a parent-child duo, and they’re also great for activities in childcare or senior care facilities—give it a go!
Urashima Taro × The Tortoise and the Hare
Aren’t “Urashima Tarō” and “The Tortoise and the Hare” children’s songs with strong storytelling? Both hide lessons within them, and when you listen again as an adult, they have a different flavor.
Each song is enjoyable on its own, but if you want to expand your repertoire, try singing the two at the same time for extra fun! Since their melodies have a similar feel, they might be easy to get mixed up.
It may be easier to sing if you keep the story-driven lyrics in mind and let them ride on the melody.
Banquet Song × A Little Love Songtuki. × MONGOL800
High school artist tiki., whose debut song surpassed 300 million total streams at a record-young age.
Their appearance in the 2024 Kohaku Uta Gassen—shown only in silhouette and from behind—also became a hot topic.
It’s astonishing that tuki.’s clear-voiced “Bansanka” pairs as a partner song with MONGOL800’s ever-energetic “Chiisana Koi no Uta.” There are videos where these two songs are sung simultaneously, so give them a watch first! It might be fun to try the challenge with like-minded friends, too.
London Bridge × Mary Had a Little Lamb
“London Bridge” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb” share the same chord progression, so when you sing them together, they blend well and sound beautiful! They’re also a classic pair for partner songs, so why not give it a try? Neither song is very long, making them great for a quick sing-along.
They’re also perfect for kindergarten and nursery school activities, as well as brain-training for seniors—sure to liven things up.
The simple, repetitive rhythm makes them easy to practice, too! This combination is highly recommended for beginners to partner songs.
Tanabata-sama × Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Recommended songs for Tanabata events include “Tanabata-sama” and “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Both have simple melodic lines, making them easy for young children to sing.
These two songs are also great as a partner song to sing simultaneously.
Despite their simple melodies, the similar ranges and lyrics make it very easy to be led astray by the other part! They’re perfect not only for children but also as brain training for seniors, so give it a try.
They’re also recommended as performances for Tanabata or summer events.
Hamabe no Uta × Home on the Range
I think everyone has songs where they know the melody but only vaguely remember the lyrics.
“Hamabe no Uta” might be a prime example—you know the first verse, but then… The scene on the boat in the film Twenty-Four Eyes, where the song begins a cappella, was truly moving.
“Home on the Range” is an American folk song.
It was also featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta, and Akiko Yano has even covered it.
Listening to the beautiful, cat’s cradle–like interweaving of these two pieces is sure to leave you entranced.