Little Johnny Brown

Lyrics

(American folk song, Georgia Sea Islands)

Little Johnny Brown,
Lay your comfort down,
Little Johnny Brown,
Lay your comfort down.

Call
Fold down the corner,
Response
Johnny Brown*,
Fold another corner, Johnny Brown.
Fold another corner, Johnny Brown (repeat)
Take it to a friend, Johnny Brown (repeat)
Show them a motion, Johnny Brown (repeat)
Lope like a buzzard, Johnny Brown (repeat)
Give it to your friend, Johnny Brown (repeat)

Each Call is the instruction, and each Response is “Johnny Brown.”

Game

Formation: Students stand in a circle, one student (“It”) stands in the middle.

“It” walks around the middle of the circle, then puts a handkerchief on the ground. “It” sings the “Call” while turning down one corner of the handkerchief at a time.
“Show them a motion” = “It” goes over to a person in the circle (with handkerchief in hand) and does a motion (optional: Other student can imitate the motion.)
“Lope like a buzzard” = Both of those students can fly like a bird around the circle or make those motions in place.
“Give it to your friend” = “It” gives the handkerchief to the other person, who becomes the “It” as the game begins again.

See also

YouTube

  • PDF of song with chords
  • MIDI file
  • Listen to the melody
Amazon links are affiliate links. I earn a small commission, but there is no extra cost to you.

Share this post

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top