Father Abraham Song - A Teacher's Guide

"Father Abraham" is a great song and dance for preschool and elementary school children. Use "Father Abraham" as a silly icebreaker that gets the blood flowing, helps youngsters with rhythm, and teaches them right and left. English language learners can even learn some body parts like arm, leg, and chin, as well as some simple classroom commands like turn around and sit down.

"Father Abraham" has countless variations, but there are two main versions, a religious one, often used in Sunday Schools and church camps that includes the phrase "Let's just praise the Lord," and a more secular version that doesn't include that phrase. Check out both sets of lyrics below.

Photo by alainalele on flickr.com CC by 2.0

the religious and secular versions

In Sunday Schools and church camps, "Father Abraham" usually goes this way:

Father Abraham had many sons.

Many sons had Father Abraham.

I am one of them,

And so are you,

So let's just praise the Lord

Right arm!*

And here is the secular version of "Father Abraham."

Father Abraham had seven sons.

Seven sons had Father Abraham.

And they never laughed,

And they never cried. All they did was go like this.

Right arm!*

* After singing "Right arm," children pump their right arms in a marching motion. After singing the second time, add "left arm," then "right foot," "left foot", "nod your head," "turn around," and finally "sit down!" The song gets sillier and sillier!

I'm glad there is a video of someone else dancing to Father Abraham, so I don't have to!

I've usually heard this song done a capella, but there's nothing to stop you from playing along on piano or another instrument. Check out the link below for the sheet music.