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)
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!
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?
World nursery rhymes: Children's songs passed down overseas (31–40)
I had a Little Hen
Let me introduce a very homey, heartwarming song where a hardworking hen really shines! The star of the song is a clever and cute hen who takes care of all the household chores.
The lyrics portray her diligently washing dishes, going to the mill to carry flour, baking bread, and more.
In the end, she even tells delightful stories by the fireplace—she’s like a dream partner! This classic Mother Goose rhyme already appeared with its current lyrics in an 1886 songbook, and it has continued to be loved over the years, even being featured in the popular TV show “Barney & Friends.” It can spark children’s interest in helping out, and it’s wonderful for parents and kids to sing together while giving lots of praise to the hardworking hen!
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!
Who Killed Cock Robin
Among the most famous nursery rhymes of Mother Goose, it was adapted into a film by Disney in 1935.
In Japanese, it’s rendered as “Who killed Cock Robin?”, and in Japan it was frequently parodied in Mineo Maya’s blockbuster manga Patalliro!, with the original song “Cock Robin Ondo” becoming a hit when the series was animated.
“Cock Robin” refers to a robin.
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.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
This song is so famous that every American can sing it.
It’s from the musical “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly sang it in the film.
At baseball games, everyone sings it during the seventh-inning stretch, standing up to loosen up after sitting for so long.