(Sample) Week #22 Easy to Play & Sing 2-3 Chord Songs

Author

Lisa Peterson
May 25, 2025

Week #22

Easy to Play Songs with 2-3 Chords

This is week 22 of the year and we will be celebrating songs that are easy to play, with only 2-3 chords, by delving into the songs and applying concepts to create more joy and connection during caregiving routines with music.

The songs are:

  • America (My Country Tis of Thee)

  • Cielito Lindo

  • Count Your Blessings

  • Crawdad Song

  • Down by the Riverside

  • Down in the Valley

  • Down to the River to Pray

  • For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow

  • He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands

  • It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More

  • I've Got Peace Like a River 

  • Midnight Special

  • My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean

  • Rockin' Robin  

  • She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain

  • Sloop John B

  • Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

SING ALONG

Featured Song

HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

“He’s Got the Whole World” is a folk song popular in African American spiritual traditions. It is said to have been written by Master Sergeant Obie Edwin Philpot and was first published in 1927. The song experienced a re-vitalization after a cover by Laurie London became internationally popular. Since then, the song has been featured in several movies and television shows.

  • Is this melody familiar to you?

  • Are the words familiar?

  • Did you find yourself humming along?

  • How did it affect you? Did your awareness change? Your breath? Your focus? Your mood?

  • Would you feel comfortable playing this in the background and allow yourself to hum or sing along? By yourself and/or with the one(s) you care for?

Did you ever see the Ed Sullivan show? Check out Laurie London, a 13 year old from England, bringing this timeless song to #2 on the US charts in 1958. Go ahead and sing along with Laurie London!

Creative Ideas

HOW TO USE THE MUSIC

  • Try humming or singing along with the provided recording, or one of your choosing for increased feeling of ______.

  • Listen to a recording to create a shared experience.

  • Listen while engaged in daily routines, to add a feeling of familiarity and comfort (if the song is known and loved)

  • Try reminiscing with the song history, or singers of the song. Look at pictures famous singers who performed the song.

SELF-CARE TIPS

Did you know that playing music can help reduce stress? Check out this article on the benefits of playing kazoo! Some of the easiest instruments to start out with are:

If you decide to try an instrument, share your story! at  [email protected] 

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