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Young children love “Down by the Bay” because it is silly, musical, and full of imaginative rhymes that spark creativity. This playful song encourages kids to laugh, guess the next funny line, and enjoy easy repetition, helping early learners build memory, listening skills, and vocabulary in a fun and interactive way.
Down by the Bay Song Lyrics
Here are the Down by the Bay words along with the full rhyme for kids to enjoy.
“Down by the Bay” Short Version
Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
“Down by the Bay” Long Version
Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a goose,
Kissing a moose?
Down by the bay!
Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a llama,
Eating his pajamas?
Down by the bay!
Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a bear,
Combing his hair?
Down by the bay!
Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a whale,
With a polka dot tail?
Down by the bay!
Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a fly,
Wearing a tie?
Down by the bay!
Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a bee,
With a sunburned knee?
Down by the bay!
Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a pig,
Wearing a wig?
Down by the bay!
Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever have a time,
When you couldn’t make a rhyme?
Down by the bay!
Other Versions of the Down by the Bay Song
Many versions of Down by the Bay add fun, silly rhymes that parents and teachers can customize. These playful twists help keep children engaged and encourage them to invent their own creative lines.
Did you ever see a goat
Sailing a boat?
Down by the bay?
Did you ever see a frog
Typing on a log?
Down by the bay?
Did you ever see a mouse
Painting a house?
Down by the bay?
Did you ever see a pig
Dancing a jig?
Down by the bay?
Did you ever see a fox
Opening a box?
Down by the bay?
Did you ever see a turtle
Wearing a purple girdle?
Down by the bay?
Did you ever see a hen
Counting to ten?
Down by the bay?
Did you ever see a bee
Drinking some tea?
Down by the bay?
Did you ever see a cow
Taking a bow?
Down by the bay?
Did you ever see a snake
Eating a cake?
Down by the bay?
Gestures – How to Teach Down by the Bay to Kids
This rhyme becomes even more exciting when paired with simple, fun gestures. Movements help children stay engaged, build coordination, and remember the lyrics more easily.
- Point your hands outward to show the “bay” each time you sing the title line.
- Pretend to hold a big watermelon during “where the watermelons grow.”
- Gesture “walking back” by moving your fingers like legs for “back to my home.”
- Shake your head for “I dare not go.”
- Cup your hands around your mouth when “my mother will say.”
- Act out each silly rhyme (e.g., flap like a goose or pretend to comb hair like a bear).
History & Quick Facts
“Down by the Bay” is believed to be a traditional folk song with roots stretching back to World War I, where it may have been sung by soldiers for entertainment. It was later popularized for children by folk singer Raffi in the 1970s, who included it in his album Singable Songs for the Very Young. Since then, it has become a preschool and kindergarten favorite for its humor, repetitive structure, and flexibility in adding new rhyming lines.
Interesting Facts
- The song became widely known after Raffi’s popular recording in 1976.
- It is often used in classrooms to teach rhyming skills and imagination.
- Many cultures have created their own playful versions of the rhyme.
- The tune is simple and repetitive, making it easy for toddlers to follow.
- Kids love it because each verse ends with a silly surprise rhyme.
- The song encourages creativity, allowing children to invent new lines.
Suitable Age & Learnings
This rhyme is suitable for children aged 2 to 7 years, making it perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early primary learners. It supports early language development while keeping kids entertained through playful storytelling.
Key Learnings:
- Rhyming awareness: Children learn how words sound alike, strengthening pre-reading skills.
- Vocabulary building: New animal names and action words expand their language.
- Creativity & imagination: Kids think of funny, unique rhymes and scenarios.
- Listening skills: Repetitive lines help improve attention and memory.
- Speech clarity: Singing encourages clear pronunciation and rhythm in speech.
- Social participation: Group singing builds confidence and teamwork.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyming scheme of Down by the Bay?
The rhyme follows a simple AABCCB pattern, where the final line repeats “Down by the bay,” creating a predictable and fun structure for children.
2. Can children create their own verses for Down by the Bay?
Absolutely! Inventing new silly lines is encouraged and strengthens creativity, vocabulary, and confidence.
“Down by the Bay” is a joyful, imaginative rhyme that has delighted generations of children. Its playful verses and simple tune make it perfect for home, school, or circle-time fun. As kids laugh, sing, and invent new rhymes, they also build important early-learning skills. This timeless classic continues to bring smiles and spark creativity wherever it is sung.
Explore Other Rhymes for Kids:
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