Top 10 Children's Songs With Racist Origins

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You'll think twice before singing these songs again after watching this video. For this list, we’ll be looking at some popular songs taught to young people that are hiding some dark prejudices. Our countdown includes “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”, “Camptown Races”, “Jingle Bells”, and more! Are there any other questionable children’s songs that should be on our list? Let us know about them in the comments!

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#Music
#Songs
#ChildrensSongs
#Children
#KidsSongs
#JingleBells
#Christmas
#Singing

[WatchMojo]

Want more music? Check out Innersleeve, WatchMojo's new music podcast!

Are there any other questionable children’s songs that should be on our list? Let us know about them in the comments!

[TheCommenterDragon]

I remembering hearing somewhere that Ring Around The Rosie is a song about the plague, or so they say.

[MrBlackDragon]

I grew up in the 90's and I always thought "five little monkey's" was about behaving and listening to you parents.

[JenniferRubyHan]

I remember these songs when I was a child. I didn't know there was some disturbing "hidden secret" about every children's song I hear until I watch this.

[frankdude]

Somehow it feels like this whole list was made just to add the jingle bell song in it!

[applefai]

Interesting list.

Racism is a big issue, but simply erasing it is not the answer, we need to teach our kids to respect differences and teach them the thin veil that separates the world now from the world back then.

Put on Dumbo and tech them that the crows were stereotypes and not to associate them with real people, but to also enjoy the movie because of the story it tells, not because of the contents.

[TheDastardlyDipshits]

I played Ten Little Indians at a live performance once when I saw children in the crowd. To test if they knew it... I hate to confirm this, but they knew every word

[Cahos_Rahne_Veloza]

So then...

"Jingle Bells,
Bat man Smells,
Robin laid an egg,
The Bat mobile lost a wheel,
The Joker got away"

...actually makes the song more palatable 😎👍👌

[WDB]

Number 1: songs sung by kids on Xbox live chat

[Kirbybros]

Next do top ten kids songs with dark origins. (Like Ring around the Rosie being about the Bubonic plague).

[moviesignsol]

0:28 I've been working on the railroad 10
1:35 Tie me kangaroo down, sport 9
2:30 Jim along Josie 8
3:29 Pick a bale of cotton 7
4:31 Camptown races 6
5:38 Ten little Indians 5
6:25 Oh Susanna 4
7:19 Shortin' bread & Five little monkeys 3
8:26 Turkey in the straw (The ice cream truck song) 2
10:07 Jingle Bells

[brentongr]

I've listened to 'Tie me Kangaroo Down, Sport' for years, I had no idea about racist lyrics!!

[TheRagingPlatypus]

Uh, it was not really a revalation that I've Been Working on the Railroad was about slaves. Lots of folk songs are. And it was likely written and sung by the very same slaves. Our modern version is likely a mash up of three songs. And the Someone in the kitchen with Dinah part is hardly a revalation either. There are more verses, one is Someone's Making Love with Dinah...

[Loser.Television]

This goes out to everyone who can read this. We wish you and yours all the VERY best in these VERY trying times. Spread good vibes and positivity everywhere and stay safe. Merry Christmas. Have a GREAT Holiday Season everyone.
✌😀

[hakumawolf]

Turkey in the Straw came from the irish ballad The Old Rose Tree(1795) in 1820. When the minstrel shows used it they changed it to match their shows. The original the most racist thing was a monkey sitting on a pile of hay.

[angelofverdun]

I’m surprised Zip a dee do da, zip a dee day, or whatever it’s called isn’t on here. I read somewhere that the Disney movie Song of the South had it and it had all these racial undertones to it.

[leonardoarancibia]

Are you going to elaborate on WHY Jingle Bells is so horrible??

[jenniferferguson]

I mean to be fair, the wiggles sang a song saying “ I’ve got the clap and I’m giving it to you.”

[trinaq]

Wow, to say that I'll never hear these songs in the same way again is a HUGE understatement! 😂

[Swordtee]

Sees title:
Me: Isn't that like every single song in existence 😂