Music is a big part of Jamaican culture. In fact, for most Jamaicans not a single day goes by when they don’t sing or listen to some form of recorded music. Songs have been our therapy for centuries and they continue to heal the very soul of Jamaicans. Just as it is for adults, Jamaican children enjoy music and there are some songs that every Jamaican child knows once they are being raised and educated in Jamaica. Here are 5 of those songs every Jamaican child knows.

1. Yes Jesus loves me

Jamaican children start singing and clapping to this song as soon as they start babbling. This is the song that parents use to guage whether their toddlers are developing normally and whether they’ll be able to hold a note when they get older.

2. My head, my shoulders, my, knees, my toes

If Jamaican children don’t learn this at church, they’ll definitely learn it at school. It’s a fun and interactive song that helps children get familiar with their body parts. It’s also a great workout song for children too.

3. I am a promise

This song is a oldie but goodie. All Jamaican kids know that they are a promise with a capital ‘P’. Children usually learn this one at church or in school as adults try to instill confidence and purpose from a very tender age.

4. The National Anthem

Jamaica boom! If you’ve ever set foot on a school compound in Jamaica you will know how to stand at attention and perform the Jamaican national anthem.

5. We A Run E Grung

This song has been creating a buzz in Jamaica and has a catchy beat that many people are enjoying right now. The lyrics aren’t neccessarily child-friendly but almost every Jamaican child knows this song, particularly because so many adults around them are bopping to the tune and re-creating the viral tik tok dance.

Have we missed any songs that are popular among Jamaican kids? Tell us in the comments. Walk good!