By Minnie O'Leary

Come Along Songs were originally published in 1981 as Songs of Self Esteem — a collaboration with Earl White. Earl asked Minnie to compose songs for the concepts in his books after attending one of Minnie's school musicals and witnessing the 'beautiful combination of enthusiastic student participation and positive self esteem experiences'. The intention of this site is to continue to make these songs and sheet music available for teachers, for kids to sing, and to share the joy and positive messages with current and future generations.

Come Along Songs were written to be sung and remembered by young children so the melodies are simple and the choruses short and repetitive. Almost all the tunes are based on the pentatonic scale, which is characteristic of both ancient folk songs and the natural chant of children. (The five tones of the scale correspond to the black keys on the piano.)

These songs also were written to be clapped, to be danced, to be moved to in a variety of ways. They can be shared by groups of children in a school or day care center, and, like folk songs of old, they can be sung as part of family activities each day. The songs are yours to improvise and to adapt. Play them on the guitar or the autoharp, change the words, change the keys, add verses, make up motions. Mostly, just join hands with a child and SING.
— Minnie O’Leary

Minnie O'Leary (piano), Jenny O’Leary (vocals) and Cookie Paige (vocals and guitar)

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