Songs Sung
Songs, especially with catchy tunes, are so easy to
get stuck in your head.
And because of this they make learning more
interesting and aid memorization.
So singing was almost always incorporated into any class
I taught.
One of the first songs I introduced to the kids in Sierra
Leone was the fun action song
“Happy all
the Time.”
I’m Inright, Outright, Upright, Downright gladdi all
the time,
I’m Inright, Outright, Upright, Downright gladdi all
the time,
I’m Inright, Outright, Upright, Downright gladdi all
the time,
Since Jesus Christ came in and cleansed my heart from
sin,
I’m Inright, Outright, Upright, Downright gladdi all
the time.
By simply switching out the word “happy” for “gladdi”
and with plenty of repetition they soon had it mastered. Once they had the
words down, the next step was the hand motions. (I learned that trying to teach
them the words and motions, at the same time, left me singing while they did
the hand motions!) They soon had those down and we could move on to singing it
at various speeds, which was great fun!
Another song and a favorite of theirs was “Stand up
Sit down.”
I’m gonna stand up sit down, clap my hands and shout,
Hallelujah.
I’m gonna stand up sit down, clap my hands and shout,
Hallelujah.
I’m gonna stand up sit down, clap my hands and shout,
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah praise the Lord!
While this song is not deeply doctrinal, it came in
handy to release some pent up energy; theirs and occasionally mine! Plus what
kid does not enjoy shouting Hallelujah!?!
There were times when I would ask the kids to sing one
of their traditional songs.
This is one of the ones I recall in Krio!
Tell Em, Tenki
Tell Em tenki, Tell Em, tell Papa God
tenki
What E do for we, I go tell Em tenki.
Tell Em tenki, tell Em, tell Papa God tenki.
(Em = Him / Tenki = Thank you / E = He)
There are certain hymns,
makes me think of specific people in Sierra Leone.
Pass Me Not – Michael
There is a special way to sing the chorus to this hymn
in Sierra Leone,
and I always enjoyed hearing Michael sing it out loud
and clear!
Rock of Ages – Zainab
This would have
to be her favorite hymn!
There is a Fountain – Moses
At every opportunity, Mojo would pick this hymn to
sing.
There is a Sweet By and By – Alfred
This is one of
Alfred’s favorite songs to play on the traditional instruments.
When the Roll is called up Yonder – David Johnny
A road trip with David was not complete until
this song had been sung!
Praise the Lord for people in Sierra Leone, young and
old,
who are joyfully singing praise to our Saviour!
Psalm 100:1
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
