OATS, PEAS, BEANS, AND BARLEY GROW

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LS E-3

Formation: All stand in a circle, hands joined. "Farmer" stands in the center.

SONG

Verse 1. Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow,

Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow,

Nor you, nor I, nor anyone knows,

How oats, peas, beans, and barley grow.

Verse 2. First the farmer sows his seed,

Then he stands and takes his ease,

Stamps his foot and claps his hands,

And turns around to view the land.

Verse 3. Waiting for a partner,

Waiting for a partner,

Open the ring and choose one in,

While we all gaily dance and sing.

ACTION

Those in the circle sing the first verse while walking in RLOD.

During the second verse, all face center, drop hands, and imitate the sowing of the seed as the farmer in the center does it. On the second line they stand at ease as he does (usually with arms folded). In unison, they stamp their feet and clap their hands and (shading eyes) turn around and view the land.

As the third verse is sung the farmer chooses a partner who changes places with him. The farmer, of course, can be either a boy or a girl.