Do You Hear What I Hear?

Singing along to the car radio is often a very, very creative experience. I sing what I hear (which is not always what the songwriter wrote). Years later, I suddenly hear the proper lyrics and realize how much more sense they make then what I’ve been belting out.

Kids learn to sing the same way, just by listening. They can be loud or whispery. They can be dramatic or hide behind you as they sing. But, sing they do because so much of childhood is brought to us with a musical accompaniment.

My cousin used to think that “My Country Tis of Thee” had a line that read “Land where the Pilgrims fried.” Yummy!! My granddaughter sings “Twinkle Twinkle” in a language only she can understand. My grandson watches his dad and sings one beat behind, trying to mimic the words.

I sing a Yiddish lullaby to my newest grandson. I actually looked up the words so I got them right. Who knows what he’s actually hearing? But, at least his great-great-grandmother’s legacy lives on.

Sing to and sing with your grandchildren. They will love it. You will love it. It’s just another joyous moment you can share with them – regardless of the words!