Nursery rhymes I want to sing in July: fun summer songs

What color do you like?

[Baby Stops Crying] What Color Do You Like? / Together with Mother (Covered by UtaSuta) [Crayon/Colors/Memorization Song]

It’s very important for children to learn the names of colors, isn’t it? This song about colors was even broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” Using this song as a starting point, you can have even more fun by talking with your child—asking questions like, “Which color do you like best?” or “What can we draw with this color?” It seems a book featuring the song’s lyrics has also been published, and by looking at it, you can see what kinds of pictures can be drawn with each color.

It would be lovely to sing together while looking at the book.

Beyond the rainbow

Shoko Haida “Beyond the Rainbow” - from “With Mother” (Full) [Official]

Here is a classic song that was broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” With the rainy season in July bringing lots of rain, there are more chances to see rainbows.

On the program, it was sung by performers like Ayumi Shigemori, Kentaro Hayami, and Shoko Haida.

This hopeful song about a rainbow appearing after the rain can make even adults feel happy when they listen to it.

Osamu Sakata, the 7th “Uta no Onii-san,” has provided many songs both during his time on the show and after graduating, and he also composed this song.

Vegetable Song

[♪ Song Anime] Vegetable Song (Vocals: Itchy & Naru)

The song “Yasai no Uta” features lots of vegetables.

It’s super cute and easy to remember because it turns parts of the vegetables’ names and their characteristics into onomatopoeia in the lyrics.

It’s also great as a hand-play song and rhythm activity, so it’s a recommended tune.

July is when it really starts to feel like summer, and many kinds of summer vegetables come into season.

This song can help kids who don’t like certain veggies—and even the ones they usually eat—grow more fond of them.

It’s also nice to introduce each vegetable’s traits after you finish singing.

Camp da Hoi

♪It’s camp time, hoi! – It’s camp time, hoi! It’s camp time, hoi, hoi-hoi-hoi!♪

This song has been beloved for many years on NHK’s popular program “Okaasan to Issho.” Its lyrics, full of energy, capture the fun of camping.

Set to a bright, cheerful melody, it portrays friendships that blossom through first-time experiences and new encounters.

Written and composed by Maki Maki in the 1960s, the song is loved by people of all ages, from children to adults.

It’s widely enjoyed at camps and outdoor activities, and is often sung with guitar or ukulele accompaniment.

It’s a staple for creating memories at summer camps and overnight childcare events.

When everyone raises their voices together, it’s sure to make the atmosphere even more fun!

To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

♪ With hand palms to the sun [with gestures] - We’re all alive, and because we’re alive, we sing 〜 ♪

Since it was featured on Minna no Uta in 1962, “Tenohira wo Taiyou ni” has been beloved by many children.

The lyrics were written by Takashi Yanase, with the music crafted by Mariko Miyagi.

The words, which portray the mystery and vitality of life, are sure to energize both singers and listeners.

Another charm of the song is how easy it is to add simple choreography that matches the lyrics, such as raising your hands or mimicking animals.

Adding movement while singing can help you immerse yourself even more in the world of the song.

Hū-lala hoaloha lā~Lyrics and Music by Yumi Ishikawa

Hū-lala hoaloha lā~

A song about the sea—especially one that captures the vibe of a tropical beach—is “Fūlala Hoaloha Lā.” The “Hula” in the title refers to hula dancing, and “Hoaloha Lā” means “friends.” The lyrics humorously portray various sea creatures, making you excited to hear which animal will appear next.

Another major appeal is its warm worldview that emphasizes “getting along with all kinds of creatures.”

waves and seashells

[Children’s Song] Waves and Seashells

For those looking for children’s songs with seaside or sandy beach motifs, “Nami to Kaigara” is a great choice.

Its lyrics, themed around “seashells,” pair well with a melody that evokes a bright, sunny sea.

Three different shells appear in the lyrics, so it could be fun to create illustrations of each and turn it into a quiz: “What kind of shell is this?” If you’re good at playing instruments like piano or percussion, perform along with the children’s singing.

Precisely because it’s a hot summer, enjoy a song that conjures up a refreshing beach.