Top 10 Campfire Songs for Camping Sing-Alongs

There is something about the crackle of a campfire and a few servings of s'mores that attracts the singer in everyone. Scouts, families, and friends naturally gravitate toward the evening fire and croon some tunes in easygoing companionship. Here are suggestions for ten top songs to share around the next campfire.

"Home on the Range" - this universally popular frontier song had its origins in a poem penned by Dr. Brewster M. Higley describing his homestead.

"Red River Valley" - a folk song known by many names such as "Cowboy's Love Song", "Sherman Valley", "Bright Sherman Valley" and "Bright Mohawk Valley", it became a hit song in 1927 under the title "Red River Valley".

"Down in the Valley" - a classic favorite of all ages; here is a clip from the television series Andy Griffith, with Andy playing the guitar and Joanna Moore singing the well-known lyrics.

"Buffalo Gals" - ever wanted to learn how to play the harmonica? Free demonstration sample shows campfire song favorites like "Buffalo Gals" and other simple melodies.

Can we ever forget poor "Clementine"? If only her true love had acted quickly enough to save her from drowning-but then we would not have this mournful tune.

"Do Your Ears Hang Low"? Kids love this catchy tune and the nonsensical lyrics, making it a good choice for entertainment or learning.

Many of the more famous campfire melodies deal with the subject of lost loves and broken hearts. In this clip from The Alvin Show, the three chipmunk brothers are crooning the lyrics to "On Top of Old Smokey" for the sad and lonely Dave.

Singing around the campfire cuts across age and gender barriers and draws people closer together. "www.higherpraise.com/lyrics1/Kum_Ba_Ya.htmKum Ba Ya" is a time-tested favorite for campfire tunes.

An American folksong believed to be derived from an African American spiritual, "When the Chariot Comes", "She'll be Coming Round the Mountain" appeared in written form in 1927. Still a popular campfire song, folks are still asking the question: who is the "she" to which the song refers?

Stephen Foster, famous composer, wrote "Oh! Susanna" in 1847. The tune and lyrics are familiar to most, and it has earned its place as an all-time favorite campfire song.

This is a short-list of some of the more familiar folk songs and tunes sung around campfires. Have fun researching on your own and developing a personalized favorites list.

Sources:

http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/patc/homeontherange/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A46378281

http://richardmattesonsblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/history-of-song-red-river-valley-part-1.html