by Alysa Dudley

Created on: May 15, 2010   Last Updated: May 22, 2010

May is smack dab in the middle of spring. Baby animals are appearing, the weather is starting to turn warm, and flowers are blooming. Mothers are honored on Mother's Day and we remember those who gave their lives for their country on Memorial Day.

For those who love to sing following are some selections appropriate to the "merry month of May". Click on the name of the song to follow a link to the music and/or lyrics.

The Fountain in the Park, also know as While Strolling Through the Park One Day (words and music by Ed Haley, 1884). This is a perfect song to begin any program. Just about everyone knows the opening lines "While strolling through the park one day, In the merry month of May..." Images of walking through the park on a spring day and falling in love are found in the lyrics.

Another song composed to honor the month of May is The Lusty Month of May from the musical Camelot.  The song paints May as a glorious time of year when "spring fever" hits.

The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring from "The Mikado" by William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. A lovely song celebrating the appearance of flowers in the spring and the promise "Of a summer of roses and wine."

Down By The Bay, a traditional song, references mothers ("my mama would say...") and animals. Take any animal, and make a short rhyme - the sillier the better. You can find may different lyrics online.

Going on a Picnic by Georgia E. Garlid and Lynn Freeman Olson, Copyright 1968 by Schmitt Music Center. May is a great month to go on the first picnic of the season.

I Want a Girl (Just Like the Girl That Married Dear Old Dad),  Words by Will Dillon, Music by Harry Von Tilzer. This song is a tribute to mothers everywhere.

For Mother's Day, You Are My Sunshine (Jimmie Davis & Charles Mitchell, 1940) can be sung as an expression of love for mothers.

There are many familiar songs referring to animals. Here are just a few:

How Much is That Doggie in the Window, Words and music by Bob Merrill, Copyright 1952, 1953, copyright renewed 1980, 1981 Golden Bell Songs.

Oh Where, O Where Has My Little Dog Gone?

Old MacDonald Had A Farm

Home on the Range

Little Boy Blue

These next three are particularly relevant, since May is traditional sheep-shearing time:

Little Bo Peep

Mary Had Little Lamb

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Any number of songs are appropriate for commemorating Memorial Day, following are some suggestions:

Star Spangled Banner

America the Beautiful

This Land is Your Land

God Bless America   (Irving Berlin)

You're a Grand Old Flag (George M. Cohan)

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