Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley Grow

The song “Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow” is a traditional British-American folk song that has been passed down through generations. The lyrics describe the process of farming and the growth of oats, peas, beans, and barley. Here’s a breakdown of the song’s structure and key phrases:

• The song typically begins with the question “Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow, Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow, Can you or I or anyone know How oats, peas, beans, and barley grow?”
• The answer is provided through a series of verses, each describing a stage in the farming process:
  • “First the farmer sows his seed, Then he stands and takes his ease, Stamps his feet and claps his hands, And turns around to view his land”
  • Other verses may include additional details about the farmer’s actions, such as “He stamps his foot and claps his hands and turns around to view the land”

Variations and Adaptations

The song has undergone slight variations and adaptations over time, with different versions featuring additional verses or slight changes to the original lyrics. Some versions may include more explicit descriptions of the farming process, while others may focus on the actions and movements of the farmer.

Historical Context

The song’s tune is believed to have been written in 1650, making it a near-300-year-old traditional folk song. It has been passed down through oral tradition and has been published in various forms, including children’s songbooks and educational materials.

Modern Usage

Today, “Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow” remains a popular nursery rhyme and educational tool, often used to teach children about farming and agriculture. The song’s actions and movements have been adapted into a play song, with children taking turns acting out the farmer’s role and switching places after each verse.

Key Takeaways

• The song “Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow” is a traditional folk song with a long history.
• The lyrics describe the farming process and the growth of oats, peas, beans, and barley.
• The song has undergone slight variations and adaptations over time, but its core message and structure remain the same.
• Today, the song is often used as a nursery rhyme and educational tool to teach children about farming and agriculture.

To download the easy alphanotes sheet music, look here. Enjoy!

Lyrics:

Oats, peas, beans and barley grow,

Oats, peas, beans and barley grow.

Can you or I or anyone know;

How oats, peas, beans and barley grow? 

First the farmer sows his seed,

Then he stands and takes his ease,

Stamps his feet and claps his hands,

And turns around to view his land.

 

Next the farmer waters the seed,

Then he stands and takes his ease.

AStamps his feet and claps his hands,

And turns around to view his land. 

Next the farmer hoes the weed,

Then he stands and takes his ease.

Stamps his feet and claps his hands,

And turns around to view his land. 

Last the farmer harvests the seed,

Then he stands and takes his ease.

Stamps his feet and claps his hands,

And turns around to view his land.