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

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!

Playlist

[Surprising!] A children’s song that originated overseas. That familiar nursery rhyme is actually…
show_chartTitlePlaylistOne point
1Green GreenThe New Christy MinstrelsAn upbeat, lively melody and chorus that leave a strong impression…
2Someone whistled.French Military MarchFrench military march “Sambre et Meuse…”
3Frog ChorusGerman nursery rhymeThat fun round song we were so familiar with as children...
4Light of FirefliesScottish folk songIn scenes like graduation ceremonies or year-end moments, and as closing-time background music in stores, the melody...
5The Bear of the ForestAmerican folk songA woman and a bear meet in the forest and become friends...
6I accidentally broke the clarinet.Originating in FranceA child troubled after accidentally breaking a clarinet...
7The railroad tracks go on forever.American folk songEndless tracks stretching on and on—bright and joyful...
8cuckooGerman nursery rhymeA story about a cuckoo and a donkey competing in singing ability...
9Oh, the pastures are greenSlovak Folk Song / Czech Folk SongThe beautiful breeze spreading across the ranch before your eyes and its surroundings...
10Buzz buzz buzzGerman folk songA familiar, friendly song about bees flitting from flower to flower…
11little foxGerman folk songThe little fox living in the mountains looks almost human...
12Black Cat TangoItalian nursery rhymeThis song, which features a black cat as its protagonist, was released in 196...
13Watermelon-producing regionAmerican folk songThis song, with that bright melody that sticks in your head, ...
14butterflyOriginating in GermanyA butterfly fluttering as it moves between the flowers...
15O BureneliSwiss folk songA yodel-like chorus that imitates the call of the mountains, and...
16Grandfather’s ClockOriginated in the United StatesBecause Ken Hirai covered it in 2002...
17We Look Up to You with RespectOriginated in the United StatesAs a classic graduation song, it transcends generations and...
18A quiet lakesideOriginated in the United StatesA children's song depicting a quiet and beautiful scene of a forest by the lakeside, …
19Sky of my hometownScottish folk songWhile gazing at the scenery as the seasons change, in my hometown…
20My Humble CottageEnglish folk songGrave of the Fireflies, Massan, Twenty-Four Eyes…
21Flowers and Sunshine of a Spring DayIrish songs
Flowers and Sunshine of a Spring DayIrish songs
Irish poet Thomas Moore...
22Winter ConstellationOriginated in the United States
Winter ConstellationOriginated in the United States
Lyricly singing of constellations shining in the clear winter night sky…
23The Flowers in the GardenIrish folk songIrish poet Thomas Moore...
24spring breezeAmerican songsThe original melody of a beautiful song born in the Meiji era is actua…
25Homesickness on a JourneyOriginated in the United States“Drea…” born in America in 1868
26Haze or cloud?German folk songThis piece features a calm, emotionally rich melody that leaves a strong impression...
27Realm of the StarsHymnIt came to be loved as a Ministry of Education school song during the Meiji era...
28Ogre PantsOriginating in Italy“Oni no Pantsu” highlights the oni’s costume and their strength...
29Ten thousand feet in the AlpsAmerican folk song“Alps Ichiman-jaku,” which depicts mountain climbing in the Alps…
30Gonbe-san’s BabyOriginated in the United StatesPanicked rights when the baby catches a cold...