traditional songs
These songs have been collected by Vocal Union, Vocal Force and other leaders as part of the process of sharing our experience and repertoire.
As in any aural tradition, songs get passed around, changing either deliberately or by accident. If you know or have made new versions we would love to include them.
We will not include any song knowingly in copyright to a composer without their consent. If you find a song that is mis-named or you have new or conflicting information about it, please contact us.
Kimbara
Song from Cuba. Learnt by Sian Crooze from Inner Sense.
mp3 | score
Lawenche
Clapping song - contributed by Jane Wheeler. See her blog for further material and discussions:
http://www.janewheeler.net/
mp3>
| mp3 groove backing track lyrics
Maliswe
This South African song is written in a variety of African languages. It is linked to the Anti-apartheid movement and the song expresses a longing for home. Sung here by Beccy Owen.
mp3 | score
Mama Don't Allow No Music
Originally a skiffle/bluegrass song from the US which has been adapted to almost every style.
Very popular.
You can bring in all the different instruments and make up new categories - beatboxers, walkin’ bass, plinky-plonk piano - etc. Easy to add percussion to and mimic the sounds of the instruments.
This is a jazz variation on the tune with a really easy accompaniment.
mp3 | pdf
Nanuma
Traditional Ghanaian song. Very popular and easy to sing as a round. Many schools make up their own words.
KS1,2,3
mp3 | mp3 round | score
Noyana
Traditional Zulu. Taught to Sian by Black Voices. 2 soprano, 2 alto parts with optional bass part. The words mean, 'As we journey through our life, have we done enough to get to Heaven?'
mp3 | score
Nyaning
Arrangements by Hannah Reid of song learned from Su Hart.
mp3 | mp3 with piano
Okki tokki unga
Traditional Inuit canoeing action song. Found in quite a few songbooks - for dicussion and variations go to:http://www.mamalisa.com/blog/?p=23
score
O leleloila - introduced by Sue Hollingsworth.
Does anyone remember where this traditional song comes from? Fantastic to sing!
mp3
O leyo - a Ghanaian women's song - A call to work
Taught to Sian Croose by Anna Mudeka.
A call and response with easy harmonies.
KEY STAGE 2 to adult
mp3
Oh Freedom - Spiritual
Traditional gospel and liberation song from America. Many different versions sung by choirs, acapella groups, folk and protest singers.
KEY STAGE 2 to adult
score
Oh Mary Don't You Weep
Traditional gospel and liberation song from America. Many different versions sung by choirs, acapella groups, folk and protest singers. I love the arrangement by Bernice Reagan Johnson. This is an extremely simple version.
KEY STAGE 2 to adult
score
Our Dustbin
Traditional English song. Great fun with lots of performance opportunities. Can be sung as a round. Sung here by Carol Bowden.
score in D | score in F | mp3 | mp3round
One Day
Deep down in my soul
mp3 | mp3 round | score
Paper of Pins
Folk song from Connecticut, USA, originating from England. Verse and chorus alternating - to be sung by two different groups
score
Prison Camp Holler
Recorded in Mississippi State Penitentiary, sung by Tangle-Eye. Introduced by Lindsay Hannon
mp3 | score
Round and round the world is turning
Beautiful song introduced by Sarah Kekus at VU training Day July 10th 09
mp3 parts | mp3 round | score
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