This collection contains words to songs that reflect time-honored singing traditions of various Scout organizations in English-speaking nations. It omits songs with lyrics that are closely identified with a specific Scout organization, focusing instead on those would appeal to any sort of Scout or Guide, boy or girl.

No affiliation with any one such organization is implied.

Compiled by

Neil B. Savage

Exeter, New Hampshire

Acknowledgment

This project would never have succeeded as well as it did without the enthusiastic cooperation of many fellow fanciers of Scouting and camping songs. Among those who helped, I'm especially pleased to recognize the contributions of:

• Pamela Bapp Robert Cooke Cheryl Lee Correll
• Jill Diewald Rick and Sue Dolato Kristie Eiling
• Virginia Frechette Eric Haffner Judy Harwood
• Mike Henderson Holly Hendricks Jim Onorato
• Alvin Orzechowski Barbara Paster Nancyjean Tripp
• Trish Walton Derek Whorlow Ken Williams

Dedication

This song collection is dedicated to Val Gadsden, her Staff, and the trainees of Cub Scout Trainers' Woodbadge course, NE-CS-20

Contents

Index

1 UNIVERSAL SCOUT SONGS

All Together Again

• We're all together again, we're here, we're here,
• We're all together again, we're here, we're here.
• And who knows when, we'll be all together again?
• Singing all together again, we're here!

A ram, Sam, Sam

• A ram sam sam, a ram sam sam, gooli gooli gooli gooli gooli ram sam sam [Repeat.]
• Arra-tay arra-tay, gooli gooli gooli gooli gooli ram sam sam [Repeat.]

Each Campfire Lights Anew

• Each campfire lights anew, the flame of friendship true.
• The joy we've had in knowing you, will last our whole life through.

• And as the embers die away, we wish that we might always stay.
• But since we cannot have our way, we'll come again some other day.

Ging Gang Goo

• Ging gang gooli gooli gooli watcha, ging gang goo, ging gang goo. [Repeat.]
• Heyla, heyla sheyla, heyla sheyla heyla ho. [Repeat.]

• Shali walli, shali walli, shali walli, shali walli,
• Oompha, Oompah...

Sing as a round, with one group continuing with the "Oompah" and another singing the song again from the beginning; then switch.

Good night ... Scouts

• Good night ... Scouts, good night ... Scouts
• Good night ... Scouts, we're going to leave you now.
• Merrily we Scout along, scout along, scout along.
• Merrily we Scout along, on the Scouting trail.

• Farewell, ... Scouts ....

• Sweet dreams, ... Scouts ....

Goodnight Song

• Evening sunset paints the sky,
• Smoke from campfire drifts on high;
• Songs and stories we like best,
• Just before we go to rest.
• Goodnight to every ... Scout, say goodnight,
• To those away and these here in our sight.
• The fun we've had we will not soon forget;
• The things we've learned and the pals we've met.
• And so, goodnight to every ... Scout, say goodnight.
• Above may each {girl's|boy's} star send forth its light.
• While songs and stories shared now wing their flight,
• Goodnight, sweet dreams, goodnight!

Hail, Hail, The Gang's All Here

• Hail, hail, the gang's all here,
• Never mind the weather, here we are together;
• Hail, hail, the gang's all here,
• Sure we're glad that you're here, too!

• Hail, hail, the gang's all here,
• We're a bunch of live ones, not a single dead one;
• Hail, hail, the gang's all here,
• Sure I'm glad that I'm here, too!

I'm Happy When I'm Hiking

• I'm happy when I'm hiking, pack upon my back.
• I'm happy when I'm hiking, on(off) the beaten track.
• Out in the open country, that's the place for me,
• With a true Scout friend, to the journey's end,
• Ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty miles a day.
• Tramp, tramp, tramp, tramp...

It's a Scouting World

• It's a world of laughter, a world of tears.
• It's a world of hopes and a world of fears.
• There's so much that we share that it's time we're aware
• It's a Scouting world.

Chorus

• It's a Scouting world for all. [repeat 2 more times.]
• It's a Scouting world.

• There is just one moon and a golden sun.
• And Scouting means friendship for everyone.
• Though the mountains divide and the oceans are wide,
• It's a Scouting world.

Our Scouts Will Shine Tonight!

• Our Scouts will shine tonight, our Scouts will shine,
• Our Scouts will shine tonight, all down the line;
• They're all dressed up tonight, don't they look fine!
• When the sun goes down and the moon comes up, our Scouts will shine!

Pass It On

• It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
• And soon all those around can warm up to its glowing,
• That's how it is with Scouting,
• Once you've experienced it;
• You spread your joy to everyone,
• You want to pass it on.

• What a wondrous time is spring when all the trees are budding,
• The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming.
• That's how it is with Scouting,
• Once you've experienced it;
• You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
• You want to pass it on.

• I wish for you my friend, this happiness that I've found,
• You can come join in, it matters not where you're bound,
• I'll shout it from the mountain tops
• I want the world to know,
• The joy of friends has come to me,
• I want to pass it on.

This Little Scouting Light

• This little Scouting light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. [Repeat twice more.]
• Let it shine all the time, let it shine.

• All around the neighborhood, I'm gonna let it shine. ...

• Hide it under a bushel--NO!-- I'm gonna let it shine. ...

• Don't you try to blow it out, I'm gonna let it shine. ...

• All around this world of ours, I'm gonna let it shine. ...

Vive l'Amour

• Let every good Scout now join in a song,
• Vive la compagnie.
• Success to each other and pass it along.
• Vive la Compagnie.

Chorus

• Vive la, vive la, vive l'amour,
• Vive la, vive la, vive l'amour,
• Vive l'amour, vive l'amour,
• Vive la compagnie.

• Come all you good people and join in with me,
• Vive la compagnie.
• And raise up your voices in close harmony.
• Vive la compagnie.

• A friend on your left and a friend on your right,
• Vive la compagnie.
• In love and good fellowship let us unite.
• Vive la compagnie.

• With friends all around us, we'll sing out our song,
• Vive la compagnie.
• We'll banish our troubles, it won't take us long.
• Vive la compagnie.

• Now wider and wider our circle expands,
• Vive la compagnie.
• We sing to our comrades in faraway lands.
• Vive la compagnie.

• Should time or occasion compel us to part,
• Vive la compagnie.
• These days shall forever enliven our heart.
• Vive la compagnie.

Upward Trail

• We're on the upward trail, we're on the upward trail.
• Singing, singing, everybody singing, as we go.
• We're on the upward trail, we're on the upward trail.
• Singing, singing, everybody singing, Scouting bound.

We're Here For Fun

[Tune: Auld Lang Syne]

• We're here for fun right from the start, so drop your dignity;
• Just laugh and sing with all your heart, and show your loyalty.
• May all your troubles be forgot, let this night be the best;
• Join in the songs we sing tonight, be happy with the rest.

Whenever You Make A Promise (round)

• Whenever you make a promise, consider well its importance;
• And when made, engrave it upon your heart.

Who'll Come A-Scouting

[Tune: Waltzing Matilda]

• Once a mighty soldier, beloved by his fellow men,
• Under the shade of the flag of the free,
• Took some youth and trained them,
• Taught them to be brave and true,
• Who'll come a-Scouting, a-Scouting with me.

Chorus

• Keep on a-working, never a-shirking,
• Carry out the rules as you know them to be,
• And we'll sing as we put our shoulders and our brains to work,
• Who'll come a-Scouting, a-Scouting with me.

• Soon the little band grew, swelling to great number,
• Through other countries, one, two, three;
• Then around the world it spread, stronger, ever stronger,
• Who'll come a-Scouting, a-Scouting with me.

Chorus

• Keep on praying, keep on saying,
• If we work hard enough, then we'll stay free.
• And we'll sing as we put our shoulders and our brains to work,
• Who'll come a-Scouting, a-Scouting with me.

Alice the Camel

• Alice the camel has 10 humps, Alice the camel has 10 humps
• Alice the camel has 10 humps, so go, Alice, GO!!
• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

[Continue with 9, 8, 7...humps, until...]

• Alice the camel has no humps, Alice the camel has no humps
• Alice the camel has no humps, 'cause Alice is a HORSE!!

Bingo Was His Name-o

• There was a farmer had a dog and Bingo was his name-o'
• B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, and Bingo was his name-o.

Sing song through six times, the first time just spelling out the name BINGO; second time, clap the 'B' and spell out the last four letters; third time, clap the 'B' and the 'I' and spell out the last three letters; etc., until all five letters are clapped out.

Boom Chicka Boom

• I says a-boom-chick-a-boom! [Group echoes.]
• I says a-boom-chick-a-boom! [Group echoes.]
• I says a-boom-chick-a-rock-a-chick-a-rock-a-chick-a-boom! [Group echoes.]

• Uh-huh! [Group echoes.]
• On Yeah! [Group echoes.]
• This time! [Group echoes.]
• We sing! [Group echoes.]
• HIGHER!

Each time a leader adds a different variation such as: LOWER, WHISPER, LOUDER, TONGUE-IN-CHEEK, SEXY, GROOVY (COOL).

Bringing Home A Baby Bumblebee

• I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee,
• Won't my Mommy be so proud of me,
• I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee,
• Ooh, he stung me!

• I'm squashing up my baby bumblebee,
  .
  .
  .
  
• Ooh, now its all over my hands!

• I'm licking off my baby bumblebee
  .
  .
  .
  
• Ooh, that made me sick!

• I'm throwing up my baby bumblebee
  .
  .
  .
  
• Ooh, now the floor is all messy!

• I'm scraping up my baby bumblebee
  .
  .
  .
  
• Ooh, he stung me a again!

Variations:

• I'm bringing home a baby rattlesnake,
• Won't my darling Mommy really shake.
  .
  .
  .
  
• Ooh, he bit me!
• I'm stomping on my baby rattlesnake, etc.

• I'm bringing home a baby grizzly bear,
• Won't my Mommy beat it out of there.
  .
  .
  .
  
• [One suggested scenario involves shooing off the bear; having to clean up after the mess (scat) left behind, and finally bring the bear back to clean up after itself.]

Chestnut Tree

• Under the spreading chestnut tree, where I held you on my knee.
• We'll be happy as can be; under the spreading chestnut tree.

The first time through, sing the words as written. The second time, omit the word "tree" and instead imitate tree branches with upward and outward hand motions. The next time, also omit "nut" and tap the top of the head. Then, omit "chest" but pat the chest. Then, omit "spreading" and instead spread hands apart, etc. [Replace "happy" with a scowl and growl.] At the finish, almost half the song will be gestures.

Deep And Wide

• Deep and wide, deep and wide, there's a fountain flowing deep and wide. [Repeat.]

Sing the words as written the first time through. Then, instead of saying the word "deep", make a gesture (one hand above the other) to show depth. The next time, also show "wide" by speading hands out to the side for width. Continue with "fountain" (make a fountain-like gesture), and "flowing" (make a rippling gesture with hands moving from one side to the other at chest level).

Do Your Ears Hang Low?

[Tune: Turkey in the Straw, refrain]

• Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro?
• Can you tie them in a knot, can you tie them is a bow?
• Can you throw them o're your shoulder like a continental soldier?
• Do your ears hang low?

• Do your ears stick out, can you waggle them about?
• Can you flap them up and down as you fly around the town?
• Can you shut them up for sure when you hear an awful bore?
• Do your ears stick out?

• Do your ears stand high, do they reach up to the sky?
• Do they droop when they're wet, do they stand up when they're dry?
• Can you semaphore your neighbor with the minimum of labor?
• Do your ears stand high?

• Do your ears flip flop, can you use them for a mop?
• Are they stringy at the bottom, are they curly at the top?
• Can you use them for a swatter, can you use them for a blotter?
• Do your ears flip flop?

• Do your ears stretch wide, do they flap from side to side?
• Do they wave in the breeze from the slightest little sneeze?
• Can you soar above the nation with a feeling of elation?
• Do your ears stretch wide?

Father Abraham

• Father Abraham had seven sons sir.
• Seven sons sir had Father Abraham.
• And they never laughed, and they never cried,
• All the did was go like this: with a left (arm moving)....

...With a left (arm) and a right (arm).

Finally: ...with a left and a right, and a left (leg) and a right (leg), and a nod, and a wiggle.

Flea Fly

[Rhythm: Same as "Froggie"]

• Flea.
• Flea, fly.
• Flea, fly, mosquito.
• Swat 'em!
• Calamine, calamine, calamine lotion.
• Oh, no more calamine lotion.
• Itchy, itchy, scratchy, scratchy, got one on my backy, backy.
• Ohy, ohy, owwy, owwy, wish he'd go away.
• Quick get the bug spray, I think he went that-a-way---shhhhhh! [Make can-spraying motions.]

Froggie!

• Dog.
• Dog, cat.
• Dog, cat, mouse.
• Froggie!
• Itsy bitsy, teeny weeny little bitty froggie.
• Jump, jump, jump, little froggie.
• Spiders and flies are scrum-deli-icious.
• Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit, Croak.

Actions: Set up a clap/lap-slapping rhythm, and repeat each line after the leader. On the first run-through, do it slowly; with each repetition go faster, until the audience tires.

Goin' On a Lion Hunt

• Goin' on a lion hunt.
• Goin to catch a big one.
• I'm not afraid.
• Look, what's up ahead?
• Mud!
• Can't go over it.
• Can't go under it.
• Can't go around it.
• Gotta go through it. [Make sloshing sounds and move hands as if slogging.]

• Sticks. [Snap fingers.]
• Tree. [Make gestures climbing up and down.]
• Gate. [Make gate-opening gestures.]
• River. [make swimming gestures.]
• Cave. [Go in it and find lion. Reverse all motions quicky to get home.]

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

• Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.
• Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.
• Eye and ears, and a mouth and a nose.
• Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.

Touch the appropriate body part each time it's mentioned. Second time: don't say the word 'head' aloud, but still touch it. Each verse thereafter, add another body part that you touch but don't mention aloud.

If I Were Not a ... Scout

[Tune: This is the Music Concert]

• Now I'm a [Boy/Girl] Scout, as you can plainly see.
• But if I weren't a [Boy/Girl] Scout, ...

1. A bird watcher I'd be
   Hark a lark, flying through the park, SPLAT!
2. A plumber I would be
   Plunge it, flush it, look out below!
3. A mermaid I would be
   Bloop, bloop, bloop, bloop, bloop, bloop!
4. A carpenter I'd be
   Two by four, nail it to the floor!

5. A secretary I'd be
   z-z-z-z get the point, z-z-z-z get the point?
6. A teacher I would be
   Sit down, shut up, throw away your gum!
7. An airline attendant I'd be
   Coffee, tea, or me, sir; here's your little bag, BLEH!
8. A typist I would be
   Ticka, ticka, ticka, ticka, ticka, ticka, ZING!
9. A hippie I would be
   Love and peace, my hair is full of grease!
10. A farmer I would be
    Here's a cow, there's a cow, and here's another yuck!
11. A laundry worker I would be
    Starchy here, starchy there, starchy in your underwear!
12. A cashier I would be
    Twenty nine, forty nine, here is your change, sir!
13. A gym teacher I'd be
    We must, we must, improve the bust!
14. A medic I would be
    Turn around, drop your pants, jab, jab, jab!
15. A doctor I would be
    Take a pill; pay my bill! I'm going golfing!
16. An electrician I would be
    Positive, negative; turn on the juice--ZZZT!
17. A fireman I would be
    Jump lady! Jump lady! Whoo-ooah! GOTCHA!
18. A cook I would be
    Mix it, bake it; heartburn--BURP!
19. A ice cream maker I'd be
    Tutti-frutti, tutti-fruitti, nice ice cream!
20. A politician I would be
    Raise the taxes, lower the pay, vote for me on election day!
21. A butcher I would be
    Chop it up, grind it up, make a little patty!
22. A garbage collector I'd be
    Lift it, dump it, sort out the goodies!
23. A [Domino's] pizza maker I'd be
    30 minute, fast delivery!
24. A clam digger I would be
    Dig one here, dig one there--Oh my frozen derriere!
25. Superman I would be
    It's a bird, it's a plane, where is Lois Lane?
26. Lois Lane I would be
    Get away, get away, get away, Clark Kent!
27. A cyclist I would be
    peddle, peddle, peddle, peddle; ring, ring, ring!
28. A truck driver I'd be
    Here's a curve, there's a curve. HERE'S A BETTER CURVE! [Makes outline of shapely woman.]
29. A house cleaner I'd be
    Ooh, a bug; squish it in the rug!
30. A baby [toddler] I would be
    Mama, Dada, I wuv you!
31. A Preacher I would be
    Well, well, you never can tell; you might go to heaven, or you might go to hell!

Finally: A [Opposite organization] Scout I would be!

If It's Raining

• If it's raining and you know it clap your hands (twice). [Repeat.]
• If it's raining and you know it then your clothes will surely show it.
• If it's raining and you know it clap your hands (twice).

• If the mud is only knee deep, stamp your feet (twice). [Repeat.]
• If the mud is only knee deep, and you wish that it were hip deep,
• If the mud is only knee deep, stamp your feet (twice).

• If the wind is really blowing, shake your head (twice). [Repeat.]
• If the wind is really blowing, and your permanent is going,
• If the wind is really blowing, shake your head (twice).

• If the temperature is falling, rub your hands. [Repeat.]
• If the temperature is falling, and your spirits are appalling,
• If the temperature is falling, rub your hands.

If You're Happy

• If you're happy and you know it [clap your hands (twice).]
• [Repeat.]
• If you're happy and you know it then you really ought to show it.
• If you're happy and you know it [clap your hands (twice).]

2. Stamp your feet. 3. Give the sign [Scout sign]. 4. Shout 'HOORAY.' 5. Do all four.

If You're Daffy

Same format as "If You're Happy" but substitute: clap your fingers; knock your knees.

I'm a Little Hunk of Tin

• I'm a little hunk of tin, nobody knows what shape I'm in.
• Got four wheels and a running board, I'm a four-door, I'm a Ford.
• Honk-honk, rattle-rattle, don't crash, beep-beep [repeat twice more]
• Honk-honk, honk-honk, honk-honk.

Actions: honk---pull ears; rattle---shake head; crash---cover face with hands; beep---push on nose with flat of hand

I've Got That Scouting Spirit

• I've got that Scouting spirit up in my head, up in my head, up in my head.
• I've got that Scouting spirit up in my head, up in my head to stay.

2. I've got that Scouting spirit deep in my heart.
3. I've got that Scouting spirit down in my feet.
4. I've got that Scouting spirit all over me.

John Brown's Baby

[Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic]

• John Brown's baby had a cold upon its chest. [Repeat twice more.]
• So they rubbed it with camphorated oil.

The second time through, replace the word, "chest" by patting the chest. Next time, substitute a cough for the word, "cold." Then, substitute baby-rocking arm motions for the word, "baby."

Junior Birdmen

[Tune: On Brave Old Army Team]

• Up in the air, Junior Birdmen; up in the air, upside down,
• Up in the air, Junior Birdmen; with your noses to the ground.

• And when you hear the grand announcement: that your wings are made of tin.
• Well, then you know, Junior Birdmen, it's time to send your box tops in.

• For it takes: 5 box tops, 4 bottle bottoms, 3 coupons, 2 wrappers, and one thin dime!

Actions: Make a face mask each time you sing the words, "Junior Birdmen" by lacing your fingers. Then, with thumbs under the chin, twist your hands outwards so that you make goggles for the eyes. On "Upside down," perform a jet plane swoop outstretched arms. On "Ground," bring the swooping arms as near to the ground as possible.