Down by the Bay

Ken Whiteley, Raffi

About Down by the Bay

"Down by the Bay" is a traditional children's song. A famous version was performed by Raffi and appears on his 1976 album Singable Songs for the Very Young. In recent years, the song had gained popularity as a campfire song among the Scouting Movement in Britain.


2:11

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

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 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 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 bear
Combing his hear?" 
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 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 have a time 
When you couldn't make a rhyme?" 
Down by the bay

Down by the bay 
Where the watermelons grow
Back to my home 
I dare not go 
For if I do

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Raffi

Raffi Cavoukian, CM, OBC (born July 8, 1948), better known by his stage name Raffi, is an Egyptian-born Canadian singer-songwriter, author, essayist, and lecturer of Armenian descent. He has developed his career as a "global troubadour", to become a music producer, author, entrepreneur, and founder of the Centre for Child Honouring, a vision for global restoration. more »

3 fans

Written by: KENNETH DAVID WHITELEY, RAFFI CAVOUKIAN, TRADITIONAL

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Details
"Down By the Bay" is a song by Raffi Cavoukian, better known by his stage name Raffi, a Canadian singer-songwriter known for his children's music.
Album Info
The song is part of Raffi's 1976 album "Singable Songs for the Very Young."
Genre Classification
"Down By the Bay" is considered children's music, specifically within the realm of folk and educational songs.
Song Origin
The song is a traditional American folk song, adapted by Raffi for his young audience. While Raffi's adaptation is the best-known version, it has been sung by children for many generations.
Song Structure
"Down By the Bay" is notable for its call and response structure, making it a popular choice for sing-alongs and interactive performances.
Silly Lyrics
"Down By the Bay" is known for its nonsensical and humorous lyrics that involve various animals doing silly things.
Rhymes and Word Play
The song uses rhymes and wordplays. Each verse ends with a question, for instance, "Did you ever see a goose, kissing a moose?", providing a humorous question-and-response format.
Educational Aspect
Despite its fun and silliness, "Down By the Bay" aids in children's language development and literacy skills. Its catchy tune, repeated phrases, and rhymes make it easier for kids to remember and learn new words.
Chart Performance
While children's songs typically don't chart, Raffi's "Down By the Bay" has remained a popular choice among parents and teachers for over 40 years.
Cultural Impact
"Down By the Bay" has greatly influenced the culture of children's music since its release, proving that educational songs can also be fun and engaging.

Discuss the Down by the Bay Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Down by the Bay Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8410722/Raffi/Down+by+the+Bay>.

    Missing lyrics by Raffi?

    Know any other songs by Raffi? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Down by the Bay

    4.5M
    9,666     1,600

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Only hope remains, _______"
    A All together now in no man's land
    B All I need is just a little more time
    C All kinds of everything remind me of you
    D All I want is to be there beside you

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Raffi's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    • Sat • May 11 • 2:00 PM
      Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center , Red Bank, NJ
    • Sun • May 12 • 4:30 PM
      The Met Presented by Highmark, Philadelphia, PA
    • Sat • May 18 • 2:00 PM
      Bushnell Theatre/ Mortensen Hall, Hartford, CT
    • Sun • May 19 • 2:00 PM
      The VETS, Providence, RI
    • Sat • Sep 28 • 2:00 PM
      FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton
    Raffi tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!