Children’s songs of the world: songs passed down and sung by children overseas
We’re introducing nursery rhymes and children’s songs that have been sung across countries and regions around the world!
From songs found in Japanese textbooks to tunes actually sung overseas and popular songs used in English education, we’ve gathered a selection from various perspectives.
As you’ll see in this article, there are actually many songs people in Japan think are Japanese that are originally from other countries.
If you want to know “famous foreign nursery rhymes in Japan” or you’d like to sing children’s songs in other languages, be sure to check these out and give them a try!
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Nursery Rhymes of the World: Children's Songs Passed Down Overseas (21–30)
Georgie Porgie
This is the song that comes to mind when you think of a playful teasing tune where a boy pulls a prank on a girl and then, when other boys show up, he panics and runs away.
Its rhyming, rhythmic phrases are catchy, and it has long been beloved as a children’s playground song.
In fact, it has a very long history—there’s a record of it already being introduced in a book from January 1841.
It’s also famous because the American rock band TOTO quoted its opening lines in a song they released in 1978.
The lyrics might be a little startling, but it’s a perfect example of Mother Goose’s delightful wordplay.
Why not hum along with your child to its unique rhythm while experiencing a bit of English-speaking culture and history?
Goosey, Goosey, Gander
This is a lively Mother Goose piece that begins with a call to the geese and features a catchy melody.
The lyrics describe going up and down the stairs, and it’s loved as a play song that you can enjoy while moving your body.
At first glance it seems cheerful, but it’s said that the lyrics actually hide satire about historical religious conflicts, giving the song a slightly mysterious background.
First included, it is said, in a nursery rhyme collection published in 1784, this venerable piece has been covered by numerous singers and educational programs, and is a standard in the English-speaking world.
You’ll also often hear it as insert music in animations and documentaries themed on Mother Goose.
Its rhythmic wordplay makes it perfect for enjoying English sounds, so be sure to sing and dance along with your child!
World nursery rhymes: Children's songs passed down overseas (31–40)
Hot Crossed Buns
This is a very simple and heartwarming Mother Goose rhyme about the hot cross buns eaten around Easter.
It’s based on the street cries of vendors who used to sell bread on the corners, and the lyrics—announcing the price in a lively voice and offering the buns to a daughter, or to a son if there’s no daughter—convey the bustling scenes of the time and people’s gentle affection.
Since it was published in the 1798 booklet “Christmas Box,” it has long been loved.
With a melody playable using only three notes, it’s famous worldwide as a first practice piece for the recorder or piano.
It’s perfect for rhythm play and introducing instruments, so why not enjoy the arrival of spring by making music together as a family?
Jack Be Nimble
This is a very rhythmic Mother Goose rhyme that depicts a boy lightly leaping over a candlestick.
Words conveying quickness and agility line up, making it a fun little piece that makes you want to move your body.
Its origins are old—since it already appears in a manuscript from around 1815, it has been sung for over 200 years.
It is said to have started as a fortune-telling-like game to see whether you could jump over a lit candle without putting it out.
Nowadays, it’s common to play without fire, using toys or cushions as substitutes.
On rainy days when you can’t play outside, why not enjoy the rhythm of English while doing some jumping games indoors? Just like the nimble protagonist, get moving with energy!
Do Re Mi
The Japanese title is “Do-Re-Mi.” It is one of the songs featured in the 1959 musical The Sound of Music.
In Japan, a version with Japanese lyrics written and introduced by pop and jazz singer Peggy Hayama spread in 1961, and it was later included in music textbooks.
Wee Willie Winkie
Originally a Scottish nursery rhyme, it is loved by children all over the world.
The song has the kind of spooky yet thrilling content that children tend to enjoy: if a naughty child won’t go to sleep at night, a scary man called Wee Willy Winky will come to fetch them and carry them away.
Polka Tramblanka
To the cheerful polka rhythm—originally a Polish folk song and a Czech folk dance—children join hands, spin around, and dance.
In Japan, it appears in collections of children’s songs under the title “Odorou Tanoshii Pōre’chike.”