The Story Behind "Down By The Bay": A Fun and Nonsensical Kids' Song - T-Tees - Your Answers Await, Life's Questions Unraveled

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Everyone loves a little nonsense, especially when it comes to children’s songs. There is something undeniably delightful about a bear combing his hair or a spider sipping cider. And when it’s performed by the legendary singer and songwriter, Raffi, the experience becomes even more enjoyable. In this article, we will explore the origins and popularity of the beloved kids’ song, “Down By the Bay.”

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Origins and Uncertainty

“Down By the Bay” is a traditional kids’ song that gained fame through Raffi, but it wasn’t originally written by him. The song first appeared on Raffi’s 1976 album, “Singable Songs for the Very Young.” According to Raffi, it is an old, old song, possibly dating back to World War I and originating from England. However, there is also a Greek folk song called “Bay” or “Seaside” that shares the same melody. Due to its age, the exact origin of the song remains uncertain.

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Recent Popularity

In recent years, “Down By the Bay” has experienced a resurgence in popularity. This can be attributed in part to Raffi’s rendition and also because it is simply a fun and nonsensical tune that people enjoy singing, especially around a campfire. The song became popular in the Scouting Movement in the UK during the last few decades. It is sometimes known as “Down by the Sea,” and the chorus of the song was used by the folk band, Fiddler’s Dram, in their song “Johnny John.”

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The Playful Lyrics

The song typically begins with the following lines:

Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:

And here’s where the fun begins. The next line, or lines, follow the pattern: “Did/(Have) you ever see(n) a ing a _____?” The first and last blanks rhyme. Here are some examples that Raffi might sing:

“Did you ever see a moose kissing a goose?” (or “goose kissing a moose”)
“Did you ever see a whale with a polka dot tail?”
“Did you ever see a fly wearing a tie?”
“Did you ever see a bear combing his hair?”

And the list goes on:

“Did you ever see a llama eating pajamas?”
“Did you ever see a goat rowing a boat?”
“Did you ever see a dragon pulling a wagon?”
“Did you ever see a fox putting on socks?”
“Did you ever see a fish doing hula on a dish?”
“Did you ever see a parrot eating a carrot?”

Each rhyming line is followed by the refrain: “Down by the bay?” The song often ends with the line: “Did you ever have a time when you couldn’t make a rhyme?”

Raffi’s Perspective

We had the chance to catch up with Raffi and ask him about “Down By the Bay” in his own words. When asked about the song’s inception, Raffi mentioned that he likely started playing it in the mid-1970s before a gig at a nursery school. After hearing a recording of the traditional song, he adapted the music and wrote new rhymes to add an element of fun and laughter.

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Raffi kept the arrangement simple, using just an acoustic guitar and electric bass. This allowed the charm of the kids’ voices to shine through. The up-tempo rhythm and spirited playing perfectly matched the zany nature of the old song.

To Raffi’s surprise, “Down By the Bay” has become one of his fan favorites, alongside hits like “Baby Beluga” and “Bananaphone.” When he performs the song live, the audience joins in the chorus and happily recites the rhymes with him.

The original 1976 recording on Raffi’s “Singable Songs For The Very Young” album was intentionally simple. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of restraint and simplicity. And, of course, the silly rhymes still bring a smile to Raffi’s face, with verses like a moose kissing a goose, a whale with a polka dot tail, and llamas eating pajamas.

The Value of Nonsense

Sometimes, nonsense can be the best teacher. Children learn what is not normal or logical in a given scenario. Through songs like “Down By the Bay,” they gain an understanding of what is accurate and expected. The collision of the water and the land by the bay can lead to countless surreal and peculiar encounters, serving as a reminder that life is both normal and filled with the whimsy of song.

Humor is a powerful tool for teaching lessons, and with its fun and silly rhymes, “Down By the Bay” achieves just that. So, the next time you find yourself singing about a moose kissing a goose or a llama eating pajamas, remember the joy and laughter that these nonsensical songs bring to children and adults alike.

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