Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog

I was thinking of an old teaching friend of mine today, Sandra Freese.  She taught me her version of Joy to the World (Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog) when she taught Kindergarten at Charlotte Montessori School and I was the music teacher.  I have sung this with thousands of students in the eighteen years that have passed and wanted to share it here as a tribute to Sandra.  You can hear other children's songs that I have recorded on my post Music of the Universe Songbook.

Joy to the World  MP3
words adapted by Sandra Freese

Jeremiah was a Bullfrog
He was a good friend of mine
I never understood a single word he said
But he sure was a friend.
Yes, he sure was a friend of mine

Singin' joy to the world
All the boys and girls now
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
And joy to you and me

If I were the ruler of the world
I tell you what I'd do
I'd throw away the guns and the bombs and the wars
And be a good friend to you
Yes I'll always be a friend to you

You know I love my school
I understand the rules
Be a kind person and a thoughtful friend
And enjoy everything you do
I say enjoy everything you do.

Ring in the New Year

This round is very good practice with reading syncopated rhythms.  The chord progression is very simple with I I IV V.  It sounds very nice with hand chimes playing the chords.  It you don't want to practice your sight singing, then jump to the last few minutes where I sing the song with the words.

Ring it in ring in the new year

Bells are ringing, bells are ringing

Peace and love throughout the whole year

Joy, joy, joy

Click here if you would like to hear the introduction to syncopation lesson.