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Make New Friends But Keep The Old Song Lyrics
Here are the Make New Friends But Keep The Old words that children love to sing and remember easily.
Make new friends,
But keep the old.
One is silver,
And the other, gold.
A circle’s round
It has no end
That’s how long
I’m gonna be your friend.
A fire burns bright,
It warms the heart.
We’ve been friends,
From the very start.
You help me,
And I’ll help you
And together
We will see it through.
The sky is blue
The Earth is green
I can help
To keep it clean.
Across the land
Across the sea
Friends forever
We will always be.
Other Versions of Make New Friends But Keep The Old Song
This rhyme has a few simple variations that are often sung in classrooms and camps.
Make new friends, but keep the old,
One is silver and the other gold.
A circle’s round, it has no end,
That’s how long I want to be your friend.
Gestures – How to Teach Make New Friends But Keep The Old to Kids
Using simple hand movements can make this rhyme more fun and easier for children to remember while keeping them actively engaged.
- Hold both hands out to the sides when saying “make new friends” to show meeting new people.
- Hug yourself gently during “but keep the old” to show care for existing friends.
- Show one hand for “one is silver” while pretending it shines brightly.
- Show the other hand for “and the other gold” and act like it sparkles even more.
- Draw a big circle in the air with your finger if singing the extended version.
- Point to friends around or hold hands to show togetherness and friendship.
History & Quick Facts
“Make New Friends But Keep The Old” is a traditional folk song often associated with scouting groups like the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Its exact author is unknown, but it is believed to have been popularized in the early 20th century through campfire singing and group activities. The rhyme became widely known because of its simple message about friendship and loyalty, which made it perfect for children’s programs and educational settings. Over time, it has been passed down through generations and is still commonly taught in schools and camps today.
Interesting Facts
- This rhyme is often sung as a round, where different groups start singing at different times to create harmony.
- It became especially popular in scouting communities where friendship and teamwork are important values.
- The “silver and gold” line symbolically represents the equal importance of both old and new friendships.
- It has been translated into different languages, making it known to children around the world.
- The rhyme is frequently used in classrooms to teach social skills and cooperation.
- Its simple two-line structure makes it one of the easiest rhymes for young children to memorize.
Suitable Age & Learnings
This rhyme is best suited for children aged 3 to 8 years, as it is easy to understand and enjoyable to sing. It supports both emotional and educational development in early learners.
- Children learn the value of friendship and understand how to balance new and old relationships.
- It helps build vocabulary with simple words like “friends,” “old,” “silver,” and “gold.”
- The rhyme improves memory skills through repetition and rhythm.
- Kids develop social awareness by learning about kindness and loyalty.
- Singing the rhyme enhances listening and speaking skills in a fun way.
- Group singing encourages teamwork and confidence among young learners.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyming scheme of Make New Friends But Keep The Old?
The rhyme follows a simple AABB pattern, where “old” rhymes with “gold,” making it easy for children to remember.
2. Why is this rhyme important for kids?
It teaches children about friendship, helping them understand the importance of both making new friends and valuing existing ones.
3. Can this rhyme be used in group activities?
Yes, it is perfect for group singing, especially as a round, which makes it interactive and fun for children.
“Make New Friends But Keep The Old” is a timeless nursery rhyme that carries a meaningful message in just a few simple lines. It helps children understand the importance of friendships in a gentle and relatable way. With its catchy rhythm and easy words, it quickly becomes a favorite among young learners. Parents and teachers can use it as a valuable tool to support both emotional growth and language development. The rhyme also encourages group participation, making learning more enjoyable. Overall, it is a beautiful reminder that while new friendships are exciting, old ones are just as precious.
