Tingalayo

This is a favorite song with all ages from the youngest to the oldest! There are many versions, as most artists make up their own verses. Children may want to make up their own verses, too. You can help them make them with the rhymes.. I also like to show children a map of the West Indies, and tell them that is where steel drums originated (specifically in Trinidad). Teach the simple hand motions to the chorus before you sing the song for the first time. Simple motions are self-explanatory for the verses.

Hand motions to chorus:

Hands up, waving fingers on “Tingalay-” Clap on “o”
Slap thighs in rhythm on “ Run my little donkey run”


Tingalayo, run my little donkey run Tingalayo, run my little donkey run

M’donkey walk, m’donkey talk, m’donkey eat with a knife and fork
M’donkey walk, m’donkey talk, m’donkey eat with a knife and fork

Me donkey eat, m’donkey sleep, m’donkey kick with his two hind feet
Me donkey eat, m’donkey sleep, m’donkey kick with his two hind feet

M’donkey come, m’donkey go, m’donkey fast and m’donkey slow
M’donkey come, m’donkey go, m’donkey fast and m’donkey slow