The lyrics of the version below are part of a beloved singing game for young children.
Parents should be sure to show the children a picture or replica of a human skeleton before starting this game.
The children start out with their toes and tap or point to each body part as they sing it, and during the chorus the children shake their bodies . It is excellent for teaching children body awareness and the names of sundry body parts.
Ideally parents might want the children to begin the game sitting on the floor with their legs out straight.
The toe bone [ tap] connected to the foot bone [ tap],Both long and short versions of the song are widely known.
The foot bone connected to the ankle bone [ tap],
The ankle bone connected to the shin bone [ tap],
Let’s sing the song of the bones!Chorus:
Them bones. Them bones. Them dry bones.
Them bones. Them bones. Them dry bones.
Them bones. Them bones. Them dry bones.
Let’s sing the song of the bones!The shin bone connected to the knee bone [ tap],
The knee bone connected to the thigh bone [ tap],
The thigh bone connected to the hip bone [ tap],
Let’s sing the song of the bones!Chorus
The hip bone connected to the back bone [ tap],
The back bone connected to the neck bone [ tap],
The neck bone connected to the head bone [ tap],
The head bone connected to ALL bones— [wiggle whole body]
Let’s sing the song of the bones!Chorus
A Bit More Background for Parents
This song, which is now beloved by many children, originated as a well-known traditional African-American spiritual. Many sources credit the African-American author and composer, James Weldon Johnson, (1871–1938) for the melody.
Other Versions of the Song:
There is a wonderful children’s book by Bob Barner, Dem Bones 1996. Hardback. $16.99 (32 p) ISBN 978-0-8118-0827-9
Songs for Teaching, Dem Bones: Song Lyrics and Sound Clip 2002-2015
You tube: Sing-Along Kids: Dry Bones (Dem Bones) w. Lyrics
You tube: Delta Rhythm Boys ---Dry Bones.
I’ve included a link to some old footage of the Delta Rhythm Boys performing Dry Bones, which was one of their most famous songs. The Delta Rhythm Boys were a very popular musical group in 1940’s and 1950's. Their performances on the radio, television, and stage made this song well-known to a wide audience.
2016 Myth Woodling