[Camp Songs] Classic camping songs. Campfire songs you can play along with
When you think of outdoor activities, the first thing that comes to mind is camping, right?
Many kids experience it through school events, family trips, or the Boy Scouts.
In this article, we’ll introduce camp songs and recreation songs that are perfect for camping.
We’ve also gathered lots of classic campfire songs—the highlight of any camp—so try learning them before the day and have fun together.
Camping is a valuable opportunity to feel the earth and the blessings of nature with your children or friends.
If you’re thinking, “I absolutely want to make it a great time!”, be sure to check this out!
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[Camp Songs] Classic camping songs. Playable campfire songs (61–70)
Oh, the pastures are green
This song is originally a folk tune that has long been loved in the rural regions of Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
It later spread to the United States through immigrants, and during the Taishō era a Japanese pastor studying abroad, Nakata Ugo, heard it and wrote Japanese lyrics.
In Japan, after the war—when the singing movement became popular—it was often sung at singing cafés.
This song really comes alive when sung by a large group, and given its nature-filled lyrics, it would be perfect for campfire singing.
Incidentally, the lyrics sung in Slovakia and the Czech Republic were not nearly as cheerful as these.
A I U E O musicGReeeeN
At a campfire—the main event of any outdoor activity—you can’t help but want to dance to exciting tunes! “Aiueongaku,” released in 2013 by the vocal group GReeeeN, known for moving songs about love and life, is an essential track for a fun camping trip.
Its dynamically unfolding, humorous melody line is particularly memorable.
Dance with enthusiasm to the punchy lyrics! During the chorus dance part, why not try choreography where everyone holds hands around the fire?
Watermelon-producing regionComposer: American Folk Song / Lyrics (Japanese translation): Takada Sakuzo
How about watermelon for a camping dessert? When you think of watermelon, you might picture the beach or the pool, but it’s perfect as a camp meal dessert too! Chill it in the river water for a while, and it’ll be amazing as a treat after a delicious meal or as a snack! And when that moment comes, why not pair it with the whimsical song “Suika no Meisanchi” (The Watermelon Growing Region)? Don’t you start to feel cheerful when the poppy, irresistibly groovy melody blends with the fantastical lyrics about making friends and even having a wedding in the land of watermelons? Enjoy some tasty watermelon and have fun singing along!
The Laundry Song
Monday is laundry day, Tuesday is rinse day.
.
.
You can’t help but chuckle at “The Laundry Song,” with its unique lyrics that depict a week of washing.
It’s funny how turning laundry—one of the more physically demanding and tedious chores—into a song can make it feel fun.
Of course, it’s great for singing around the campfire, but it might also be nice to sing it with your family while hanging clothes to dry during your camping trip.
Why not hum this tune and savor the unique joy of doing camp chores?
Funiculi FuniculaComposition: Luigi Denza
Originally an Italian song, it was composed to attract customers to the mountain railway Funicolare.
However, for many Japanese people, hearing this melody makes them want to hum the lyrics of the children’s song “Oni no Pants.” Since it’s a classic among kids, if one person starts singing, it will surely turn into a big chorus and liven up the mood.
If you walk cheerfullyLyrics by Yasuma Yasutomi / Music by F. Meller
This song is a foreign piece with a very memorable choral refrain.
The original, composed in Germany, is “Der fröhliche Wanderer,” and after it was introduced at an international music festival in the UK in the 1950s, it later spread around the world.
The distinctive chorus that appears in the song is said to have Latin origins, and thanks to this phrase, the overall mood of the piece sounds cheerful.
gingham grigri
Like “Kui Kai Mani Mani,” this song has lyrics whose meaning isn’t very clear.
There are various theories, but one says it was composed for the 1920 “1st World Scout Jamboree.” It seems to be based on a tune heard locally during a war in South Africa, and as many different people sang it, the original meaning of the lyrics may have been lost.
In a sense it’s like scat—just humming along makes it a fun song.