“Rare Bog, Rattlin’ Bog,” A Camp Song
Chorus (clapping)
Rare bog, rattlin’ bog, way down in the valley-o
Rare bog, rattlin’ bog, way down in the valley-o
And in this bog
There was a tree [arms in front of you in a circle]
A rare tree! [swing arms to left and right]
A rattlin’ tree [shake arms down and right]
[clapping]: And the tree was in the bog, and the bog’s down in the valley-o!
Chorus
And on this tree
There was a branch [stick one arm out]
A rare branch [swing arm back and forth]
A rattlin’ branch [shake arm down]
And the branch was on the tree, and the tree was in the bog, and the bog’s down in the valley-o
Chorus
And on this branch
There was a twig [stick one finger out]
A rare twig [swing arm back and forth]
A rattlin’ twig [shake arm down]
And the twig was on the branch, and the branch was on the tree, and the tree was in the bog, and
the bog’s down in the valley-o
Chorus
And on this twig
There was a nest [make hand into a fist]
A rare nest [swing back and forth]
A rattlin’ nest [shake arm down]
And the nest was on the twig, and the twig was on the branch, and the branch was on the tree and
the tree was in the bog and the bog’s down in the valley-o
Chorus
And in this nest
There was a bird [repeat nest gesture]
A rare bird [repeat]
A rattlin’ bird [repeat]
And the bird was in the nest and the nest was on the twig, and the twig was on the branch, and
the branch was on the tree, and the tree was in the bog and the bog’s down in the valley-o
Chorus
And on that bird
There was a feather [stick finger out]
A rare feather [swing arm]
A rattlin’ feather [shake arm down]
And the feather was on the bird and the bird was in the nest and the nest was on the twig, and the
twig was on the branch, and the branch was on the tree, and the tree was in the bog and the bog’s
down in the valley-o
Chorus
The informant is a young woman who attended many years of camp, being immersed in American campfire traditions. Thus, this piece was learned from others of her camp. She admits that very few of her friends and family remember this specific song, and when asked to recall it, she had to take many moments to write it out herself to solidify the tune in her mind.
So many characteristics of the piece indicate that it is suited for children: it’s rhythmic, repetitious, and physical, allowing children to learn quickly and engage with others in a performative way.