I love how songs evolve as they’re passed between musicians, children, and storytimers. This 1969 Hap Palmer tune has been reinterpreted numerous times. The original song is about clothing, but most storytime versions I’ve heard are about colours. There’s also a Spanish version, and a phoneme-focused version. In all instances, it’s a wonderful up-and-down, moving about, participatory song.
I’m not sure who originated the colours and actions I’ve included below, but the earliest recording I’ve come across is Kathy Reid-Naiman’s 1999 album, Say Hello to the Morning. The movements can be a bit complicated for wee little ones, so I’ll usually sing “nod your head” the whole way through to facilitate easier learning and quicker participation. I post coloured circles on the felt board to show what we’ve already chosen, and for the finale we sing, “if you’re wearing clothes” or “if you’re wearing colours,” so everyone can take part.
Thanks to my creative colleague Kate for the weather and feelings variations. These chords are simplified and transposed from Dany Rosevear’s Singing Games for Children site. To hear the tune, listen to a clip from a Rainbow Songs album here.
What Are You Wearing?
C F
What are you wearing, what are you wearing
G7 C
What are you wearing, today today?
F
What are you wearing, what are you wearing
G7 C
What are you wearing today?
C F C
If you're wearing red, stand up
G7 C
And if you're wearing red, nod your head
F C
If you're wearing red, turn around
G7 C
And if you're wearing red, sit back down
Verses
Blue... touch your shoe
Green... be a jumping bean
Pink... give a wink
Black... pat your back
White... be a bird in flight
Clothes... touch your nose
How Are You Feeling?
C F
How are you feeling, how are you feeling
G7 C
How are you feeling, today today?
F
How are you feeling, how are you feeling
G7 C
How are you feeling today?
C F C
If you're feeling mad, make a fierce face
G7 C
If you're feeling mad, stomp your feet
Verses
Other emotions and matching actions...
What is the Weather?
C F
What is the weather, what is the weather
G7 C
What is the weather, today today?
F
What is the weather, what is the weather
G7 C
What is the weather today?
Storytime Ukulele 
I have a young crew at storytime, sometimes asking them what colors they are wearing is over their head but they all know what colors they love. I’ve found supplementing what color they ‘like’ or ‘love’ works well too. “If you like pink, stand up” etc.
I love all your stuff, I use your ideas in storytime all the time. Thank you so much for the great ideas!
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That’s a great idea, Melanie. I also like that they’ll have as many opportunities to jump up and move, as they’re in the mood for that day. I think I’ll try this with my own group.
Thanks!
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How do I find the tunes for these songs?
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You can listen to Dany Rosevear sing it on Youtube, or a clip from Rainbow Songs here (#11)
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