I have been a fan of Raffi’s music for many years – in fact, I listened to Raffi as a child! I have many fond memories of road trips while listening to Raffi in the car. I recently was introduced to Lindsay Munroe’s music asl well, and was happy to learn that she and Raffi have collaborated to release “Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times”, which will be released on May 6, 2022.

Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times features 15 classic songs, but with a creative twist. Listeners will most likely recognize all of the songs, but with some differences from the classic versions.

  1. Three Kind Mice
  2. Diddle Diddle Dumpling
  3. Sing A Song Of Six Cents
  4. Ring Around Sweet Roses
  5. Rock-A-Bye-Baby
  6. Jack And Jill
  7. Hickory Hickory Dock
  8. Baa Baa Bright Sheep
  9. Humpty Dumpty
  10. London Rain Is Falling Down
  11. Eeny Meeny Miney Mo   
  12. Old Mother Hubbard
  13. This Little Piggy
  14. Hey Diddle Diddle
  15. There Was A Nice Lady

The first thing that comes to mind about these songs is that Raffi and Lindsay Munroe’s voices are such a wonderful pairing. Their vocals blend seamlessly in a beautiful melody, and the songs are perfect for young children with a soothing and gentle quality.

The great thing about Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times is that the lyrics have been updated to be modern, and each one has a positive twist. Over the years I have found it ironic how many classic stories and songs can be scary or alarming, and these classics have been adapted to be something to embrace.

One of the first classics that always pops into my head when it comes to alarming nursery songs is Rock-A-Bye-Baby, with lyrics about cradles crashing down. This is the perfect example of how Raffi and Lindsay Munroe created a happy song, updated to talk about boughs bending and siblings tending to the baby with songs and stories.

Rock-a-bye baby on the tree top
When the wind blows the cradle will rock
When the branch bends, brother peeks in
And says Hi to baby with love and a grin
Rock-a-bye baby on the tree top
When the wind blows the cradle will rock
When the branch swings, sister will tell
A sweet bedtime story, to help you sleep well

Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times is so carefully thought out and well written. So many classic nursery rhymes are outdated, and the album brings new life to these songs.

There are so many great details in this album. Even songs like “This Little Piggy” mentions nothing of a pig going to market. We all need more kind words and thoughtfulness in our lives, and this album is a wonderful source of positivity.

Three kind mice (three kind mice)
See how they run (see how they run)
They help each other to get some cheese
Asking nicely by saying “please”
Sharing with friends and families
Three kind mice

This album is on sale May 6, 2022 at a variety of retailers, including Amazon.

Visit Raffi’s website at https://raffinews.com/

Visit Lindsay Munroe’s website at https://www.lindsaymunroemusic.com/