Don't You Push Me Down

I have quite a low tolerance for recorded children's music. I do not want to be within miles of an album recorded by The Wiggles, or one of their many DVDs, for that matter. Although there is always music in the background at choice time in this classroom, there is a big range of genres and styles for the children to hear and experience.


But if I had to choose one children's album to listen to, even during my personal free time, it would be Nursery Days by Woody Guthrie. The lyrics are completely relevant to children's lives -- he was really able to put himself into a child's shoes. I have so many favorite songs on this album, but for children, I really really love Don't You Push Me Down. It's an anthem for playing nice, using your words, sharing, and fairness!

Don't you push me, push me, push me,
Don't you push me down.
Don't you push me, push me, push me,
Don't you push me down.

You can play with me,
You can take my hand,
We can skip together
Down to the pretzel stand.
You can wear my mommy's shoes,
You can wear my daddy's hat,
You can even get mad at me,
But don't you push me down.

Don't you push me, push me, push me,
Don't you push me down.
Don't you push me, push me, push me,
Don't you push me down.

You can play with me,
We can build a house,
You can take my ball,
And bounce it up and down.
You can take my skates,
And ride them all around,
You can even get mad at me,
But don't you push me down.

Don't you push me, push me, push me,
Don't you push me down.
Don't you push me, push me, push me,
Don't you push me down.

You can play with me,
We can play all day,
You can use may use my dishes,
If you put them away.
You can feed me apples,
Oranges and plums,
You can even wash my face,
But don't you push me down.

Listen Here : Woody Guthrie: Don't You Push Me Down

Smithsonian Folkways is my mecca for music from other times, and from other places; and they have an amazing collection of Woody Guthrie's recordings.

I'll share more of my (and my students) favorites very soon.