Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Surprising!] A children’s song that originated overseas. That familiar nursery rhyme is actually…

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

Nursery rhymes we often sang as children in kindergarten, nursery school, or elementary school.

Among the ones we still remember as adults, quite a few actually originated overseas.

In this article, we’ll introduce nursery rhymes with roots abroad.

We’ve picked out a variety—from songs that make you think “Come to think of it, that makes sense,” to surprising ones that have you saying, “Wait, that song too?” They’re all familiar across generations, whether it’s something you sang as a child or a song your kids are learning in nursery school.

As you listen, be sure to notice the differences between the versions we often sing and the original tunes!

[Surprising!] Nursery rhymes of overseas origin. Those familiar nursery rhymes are actually (21–30)

Gonbe-san’s BabyAmerika hasshō

[Hand Play] Gombei’s Baby♪

Gonbe-san’s BabyAmerika hasshō

John Brown’s Baby (John Brown no akachan)

This is a nursery rhyme depicting Gonbei panicking because his baby has caught a cold.

With its short and simple content, it is also popular as a hand-play song.

Based on the melody of the hymn “Say, Brothers, Will You Meet Us,” it evolved into songs praising John Brown’s achievements in the abolition of slavery, such as “John Brown’s Body” and “The Body of John Brown,” then into the marching song “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and further into the children’s recreation song “John Brown’s Baby,” which is said to have been brought to Japan.

Because of its light and catchy melody, it has been arranged in many ways in Japan as well, including as the theme song for Yodobashi Camera commercials.

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Haze or cloud?Doitsu min’yō

Haze or cloud?

Haze or cloud?Doitsu min'yō

Alle Vögel sind schon da – Kinderlieder zum Mitsingen | Sing Kinderlieder

This piece, noted for its gentle, emotionally rich melody, is a children’s song based on a traditional German folk tune.

Its lyrics, which sing of the changing face of nature and the seasons, have the power to bring peace and nostalgia to listeners; it is likely this universal beauty that has allowed the song to be cherished across generations.

In November 2011, an arrangement for piano accompaniment was released by Kawai Publishing as an “e-score,” making it more accessible for use in concerts and educational settings.

It’s perfect for school choir competitions and music lessons, and is recommended even for those new to choral singing.

The Japanese translation is crafted to preserve the original’s emotional nuance, resulting in a work that, though a German folk song, resonates deeply with Japanese audiences.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced some nursery rhymes that originated overseas—how did you like them? You might have discovered that a song you thought was Japanese actually wasn’t! Since some have different lyrics or a different feel, try enjoying the world of nursery rhymes in a new way.