Introduction
This is a really important folk song. Folk music is an important part of our history as humans. It is a way for regular, ordinary people like you and me to have our voices heard and our stories told.
Folk music can be as simple or as complicated as you want or can make it. The main purpose is the words and the story that they tell.
Kumbaya means “come by here” which has different meanings depending on what the other words are. Sometimes it can mean “come and help me” and other times it can mean “come with me”.
Video
The Lesson
At The Piano
Full Speed in F
Slower in F
Full Speed in C
Slower in C
Sheet Music
Piano
Piano Challenge Version
Ukulele
Guitar
Recorder
Xylophone or On-Screen Piano
Don’t Forget!
You can look up the ukulele chords and guitar chords and get help with reading tablature,
playing the recorder or rhythm (percussion) instruments right here on my website!
Songwriting
Folk songs provide a unique opportunity for students to experience the art of songwriting. The simple, repetitive nature of folk music makes it the perfect platform to explore.
Kumbaya is a song that originated in the Congo and the word ‘kumbaya‘ means ‘come by here‘ or ‘come over here‘. Think of it as what a friend might say when they are inviting you over for a play date. The rest of the song is different based on who is singing it and what they are singing about.
Some example lyrics are as follows:
Kumbaya, ya Kumbaya (3x)
Ah, ah, Kumbaya
We can play here, Kumbaya (3x)
Ah, ah, Kumbaya
We’ll have fun now, Kumbaya (3x)
Ah, ah, Kumbaya
Sing a song with me, Kumbaya (3x)
Ah, ah, Kumbaya
As you can see, there is a pattern to the verses. Simply follow it, and you can write your own version of this classic folk song. All you have to do is pick a topic, and think of some things to sing about that topic. In my example, my topic could have been Things To Do During A Playdate.
Write down some of your own words then use this player to sing along with!
