Celebrate the Earth: Music for a Green Planet

I am a harsh critic of children’s music. I don’t like most of the crap that is out there, and I don’t understand why children should be subjected to poor musical compositions just because they are children.  Based on my strong musical opinions, it was with hesitancy that I listened to Hayes Greenfield’s Music for a Green Planet. I was pleasantly surprised by the jazzy melodies and amused by the lyrics of this cd, although I have to admit, I am a sucker for the upright bass.

Music for a Green Planet takes many traditional children’s songs, as well as other popular classics, and changes the lyrics to reflect a green message. I have probably listened to this cd a dozen times in one day, as my children absolutely adore it, and I do too.  The first track is a version of  “She’ll be Comin’ Round the Mountain” only she’s driving a hybrid and using biodiesel.

We’ll be driving biodiesel when she comes
We’ll be getting cleaner mileage when she comes
We’ll be a part of the solution
Cause we’re making less pollution
We’ll be driving biodiesel when she comes

My three-year-old son got so excited the first time he heard this song, as he knows his daddy runs B99 in his truck.  My daughter’s favorite tune is “Fiddle Dee Green”, and I caught her singing it as she got ready for bed last night.  My favorite song is “Turbine” sung to the tune of “Edelweiss”. I know, I know, it sounds like a stretch, but it really works.

Turbines, turbines
The wind can make them go round and round
Turbines, turbines
Breezes can make them go round

Do you want to make your own green music?  Children can be given tape recorders and sent outside to record the sounds of nature. They can then mix these sounds into their own music for a green planet, as well as be inspired to create sounds with musical instruments that mimic these sounds. How would you replicate the sound of rain, the sound of leaves under foot, the sound of birds chirping? Nature can be inspiration for the arts, which is one way we can honor and celebrate our mother planet.