Shows
Lyrical LiteracyWe Three Kings (Nik Bear)We Three Kings
Lyrics adapted by Nik Bear Brown
We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense...
2025-11-2403 min
Lyrical LiteracyHe's Popeye the Sailor ManHe's Popeye the Sailor Man
The sea don’t fear the storm
And neither does he when the truth gets warm
He been carved by the tide where the moon runs thin
Where the salt hits the wound and the strength begins
Every wave been a teacher with a quiet demand
Saying rise with the power only soul can command
He been walking on the edges where the brave don’t land
But courage is a compass you can hold in your hand
He's Popey...
2025-11-1702 min
Lyrical LiteracyC is for Cookie | Sing-a-Long
C is for Cookie | Sing-a-Long
The Lyrical Literacy podcast https://podcast.humanitarians.ai/ explores the musical legacy of a beloved blue monster from children's television and his iconic cookie-themed anthem. This episode examines how a simple five-note melody became a cultural touchstone, featuring discussions of the character's unique vocal style, the song's musical simplicity, and its enduring appeal. We dive into how this character's enthusiasm for baked goods translated into a charming musical expression that generations have enjoyed.
Origin Summary
This episode focuses on a famous children's television song that first appeared in 1971 o...
2025-11-0902 min
Lyrical LiteracySpud Stories: The Cultural Legacy of Mr. Potato HeadSpud Stories: The Cultural Legacy of Mr. Potato Head
The Lyrical Literacy podcast explores the fascinating evolution of one of America's most beloved toys - Mr. Potato Head. From its humble beginnings as George Lerner's innovative concept to its status as a cultural icon, this episode traces how a simple plastic toy revolutionized play and adapted to changing times. The lyrical journey chronicles Mr. Potato Head's transformation from actual potatoes with plastic parts to an all-plastic toy, the expansion into a full "spud family," and the character's social advocacy roles in anti-smoking campaigns and fitness p...
2025-11-0903 min
Lyrical LiteracyBaa Baa Black Sheep | Nursery RhymesWoolly Tales: The Three Sheep Variations
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a playful adaptation of the classic "Baa Baa Black Sheep" nursery rhyme, reimagined with three different sheep - grey, brown, and bare. Each sheep offers a unique twist on the traditional wool distribution, with the grey sheep providing for kittens and cats, the brown sheep sharing with a family, and the bare sheep having no wool at all to give. This creative variation offers a perfect opportunity for children to explore expectations, sharing, and the concept of having versus not having.
Origin
"Baa Baa Black Sheep"...
2025-11-0903 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Journey Through Oz" - A Poetic Retelling of Dorothy's Adventure | Part IThe Journey Through Oz" - A Poetic Retelling of Dorothy's Adventure | Part I
the cyclone
a sky torn open—twisting high—
dorothy lifted, house spun, goodbye
A twister spun Dorothy high, no warning, no sign,
Landed her in Oz, where the skies didn’t align.
the council with the munchkins
tiny feet in a land unknown
they called her queen, yet kansas called home
Tiny voices, bright and clear, hailed her queen,
But Dorothy’s heart was set on Kansas, unseen.
how dorothy saved the scar...
2025-11-0903 min
Lyrical LiteracyMagic Art of the Great Humbug | Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)Magic Art of the Great Humbug | Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a poignant musical exploration of the pivotal moment in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" when Dorothy and her companions discover the true identity of the great and powerful Oz. This contemplative song captures their journey through the Emerald City, their confrontation with the man behind the curtain, and their reckoning with broken promises and dashed hopes as they realize the wizard is merely "a humbug" – an ordinary man using illusions to appear magnificent.
Based on L. Frank Baum's classic 1900 novel "The...
2025-11-0803 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Fisherman and His Wife | Brothers Grimm (Nik Bear) The Fisherman and His Wife | Brothers Grimm (Nik Bear)
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a musical retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale "The Fisherman and His Wife." This catchy adaptation follows a poor fisherman who catches a magical talking fish that grants wishes. As his wife Ilsabill's demands escalate from a cottage to a castle, then to becoming king, emperor, pope, and finally ruler of the cosmos, the sea grows darker with each request. The repeating chorus reminds listeners about the dangers of insatiable greed, as the couple ultimately loses everything and returns to their h...
2025-11-0804 min
Lyrical LiteracyJackan’Jill | Lyrical Literacy Sing-a-LongJackan’Jill | Lyrical Literacy Sing-a-Long
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents "Jack an' Jill," a vibrant reimagining of the classic nursery rhyme in authentic Jamaican patois. This expanded version follows our familiar duo as they attempt to fetch water from a hill, with Jill suggesting modern alternatives ("Use faucet like mi fada"). Their adventure quickly turns disastrous when Jack trips and they both tumble down, rolling past farm animals and crashing into a dump. After Jack's mother treats his injured head with vinegar, Jill declares she's done with hills altogether, concluding with a cautionary message about stayi...
2025-11-0502 min
Lyrical LiteracyMs Austen | Lyrical Literacy Homage to Jane AustenMs Austen | Lyrical Literacy Homage to Jane Austen
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a poetic homage to Jane Austen, the revolutionary author who wielded her pen with subtle defiance against Regency-era conventions. This evocative poem captures Austen's essence as a writer who, beneath the veneer of propriety and tea cups, crafted stories that challenged social norms and exposed the follies of the aristocracy. Through elegant verse, we explore how Austen remained "small and still, yet fiercely wrote what the world dared only think," using her literary genius to create female characters who whispered loudly through hi...
2025-11-0502 min
Lyrical LiteracyFour Small Feet Through Oz | Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)Four Small Feet Through Oz | Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)
https://open.spotify.com/album/03UdzfBFr4N10EjMnCLCvD?si=vQTridAnSo-pTIAdVZaLnw
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a unique retelling of the Wizard of Oz adventure through the eyes of Dorothy's faithful companion, Toto. This heartwarming narrative follows the small but mighty dog as he experiences the sudden upheaval from Kansas to Oz, meeting unusual companions along the yellow brick road. Through Toto's perspective, listeners discover how his unwavering loyalty and sharp instincts guided Dorothy through poppy fields, exposed the Wizard's deception, and provided steadfast companionship th...
2025-11-0503 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Cowardly Lion’s Lament | Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)The Cowardly Lion’s Lament | Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a heartfelt exploration of courage through the eyes of the Cowardly Lion from Oz. This poignant first-person narrative follows the lion's transformative journey from self-doubt to self-discovery. Despite his impressive roar and majestic mane, he initially hides from the smallest disturbances, ashamed of his fear. The poem beautifully tracks his growth as he joins Dorothy and her companions through dangerous terrain, facing his fears with each trembling step. By the conclusion, the Lion discovers the profound truth that courage isn't the absence of fe...
2025-11-0503 min
Lyrical LiteracyO Little Town of Bethlehem | Xmas Songs Sing-a-LongO Little Town of Bethlehem | Xmas Songs Sing-a-Long
The Lyrical Literacy podcast explores the timeless Christmas carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem," weaving together the traditional hymn with expanded verses that deepen the narrative of Christ's birth. This episode captures the peaceful imagery of the sleeping town, the vigilant shepherds, and the profound spiritual significance of a humble birth that would transform history. Through gentle musical storytelling, listeners experience both the historical context and spiritual resonance of this beloved carol, highlighting themes of peace, hope, and divine presence entering the ordinary world.
Origin
"O Little...
2025-11-0504 min
Lyrical LiteracyFour Small Feet Through Oz | Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)Four Small Feet Through Oz | Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)
The song: https://open.spotify.com/track/454uS0uJgGaBlvK12Y8l0A?si=8844b9debe794b23
The Lyrical Literacy Podcast presents a unique retelling of "The Wizard of Oz" from Toto's perspective. This episode features a reggae-inspired musical journey that reimagines the classic tale through the loyal dog's eyes. The song explores themes of courage, loyalty, and the unspoken heroism of Dorothy's faithful companion as he navigates the strange world of Oz, from the initial tornado landing to the final confrontation with the...
2025-11-0402 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Tin Man's Heart " | Lyrical Literacy Oz SungThe Tin Man's Heart " | Lyrical Literacy Oz Sung
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents "The Tin Man's Heart," a poignant first-person narrative exploring the journey of the beloved character from L. Frank Baum's classic tale. This episode delves into themes of identity, humanity, and the discovery that emotional connection exists even within a body of tin.
The Tin Man's Heart " | Lyrical Literacy Oz Sung
I once was flesh with hands so sure
A woodsman strong, with love so pure
But curse and axe and rusted fate
Turned me...
2025-11-0403 min
Lyrical LiteracyGrasshopper Pie | Sing-a-Long (Mayfield)Grasshopper Pie | Sing-a-Long
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a whimsical musical journey exploring the delightful dessert known as Grasshopper Pie. This episode clarifies the amusing contradiction of a sweet treat named after an insect while containing no actual bugs. Through playful lyrics and rhythmic storytelling, listeners learn about this minty-chocolate dessert's origins from a famous New Orleans cocktail, its rise to popularity in the 1950s as a party favorite, and its distinctive vibrant green color that resembles spring itself.
Grasshopper Pie
In a world where bugs might grace a plate,
Here’s...
2025-11-0402 min
Lyrical LiteracyGrasshopper Pie | Sing-a-Long (Nik Bear)Grasshopper Pie | Sing-a-Long
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a whimsical musical journey exploring the delightful dessert known as Grasshopper Pie. This episode clarifies the amusing contradiction of a sweet treat named after an insect while containing no actual bugs. Through playful lyrics and rhythmic storytelling, listeners learn about this minty-chocolate dessert's origins from a famous New Orleans cocktail, its rise to popularity in the 1950s as a party favorite, and its distinctive vibrant green color that resembles spring itself.
Grasshopper Pie
In a world where bugs might grace a plate,
Here’s...
2025-11-0403 min
Lyrical LiteracyGrasshopper Pie | Sing-a-Long (Parvati)Grasshopper Pie | Sing-a-Long
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a whimsical musical journey exploring the delightful dessert known as Grasshopper Pie. This episode clarifies the amusing contradiction of a sweet treat named after an insect while containing no actual bugs. Through playful lyrics and rhythmic storytelling, listeners learn about this minty-chocolate dessert's origins from a famous New Orleans cocktail, its rise to popularity in the 1950s as a party favorite, and its distinctive vibrant green color that resembles spring itself.
Grasshopper Pie
In a world where bugs might grace a plate,
Here’s...
2025-11-0402 min
Lyrical LiteracyThere's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea | Sing-a-LongThere's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea | Sing-a-Long
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a playful underwater musical adventure with our sea-themed episode featuring the classic children's cumulative song "There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea" with a fun SpongeBob-inspired twist.
Origin
This episode features a modern adaptation of the traditional folk song "There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea," which dates back to at least the early 20th century. The song is a classic cumulative or "chain" song where each verse builds upon the previous one by a...
2025-11-0305 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Sleeping Princess of Briar Rose | Grimm's Fairy Tale (Lullabize)The Sleeping Princess of Briar Rose | Grimm's Fairy Tale (Lullabize)
Lyrics (with some back and forth and editing) created with the Lyrical Literacy Lullabize software https://www.humanitarians.ai/lullabize
The Lyrical Literacy Podcast presents a musical retelling of the classic Grimm's fairy tale "Briar Rose." This enchanting episode chronicles the journey of a princess cursed to sleep for a hundred years after pricking her finger on a spindle. As the entire kingdom falls into slumber behind a wall of thorns, only true love's kiss from a brave prince can break the spell a...
2025-11-0309 min
Lyrical LiteracyJourney of the Magi - We Three Kings | Xmas SongsJourney of the Magi - We Three Kings | Xmas Songs
The Lyrical Literacy podcast explores the beloved Christmas carol "We Three Kings of Orient Are," bringing to life the journey of the three wise men bearing gifts for the newborn Jesus. This episode weaves through the symbolic meaning of gold, frankincense, and myrrh as royal tribute, divine acknowledgment, and mortal sacrifice. The timeless melody captures both the wonder of following the guiding star and the profound spiritual significance of the Magi's pilgrimage across desert lands to find the humble manger in Bethlehem.
Origin
"W...
2025-11-0303 min
Lyrical LiteracyOver the River and Through the Wood | Xmas Sing-a-LongOver the River and Through the Wood | Xmas Sing-a-Long
The Lyrical Literacy podcast explores a festive adaptation of "Over the River and Through the Wood," transforming Lydia Maria Child's 1844 Thanksgiving poem into a Christmas journey. This reimagined version retains the beloved sleigh ride to grandmother's house while introducing rich holiday imagery—twinkling lights, holly-adorned doors, hanging stockings, and the peaceful glow of church bells. The adaptation creates an immersive Christmas experience through eight verses that follow travelers across snowy landscapes toward the warmth of family celebration, capturing both the physical journey and the spiritual essence of...
2025-11-0203 min
Lyrical Literacy55 Lines from Nursery Rhymes | Tongue Twisters55 Lines from Nursery Rhymes | Tongue Twisters
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a delightful collection of classic and creative tongue twisters drawn from nursery rhymes and speech exercise traditions. This episode weaves together 55 phonetically challenging lines, from the familiar "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" and "Sally sells seashells" to lesser-known verbal gymnastics like "Purple paper people." The compilation showcases alliteration, repetition, and sound patterns that challenge pronunciation while building language skills. These playful linguistic puzzles, arranged in a poetic stream-of-consciousness style, offer listeners both nostalgic connections to childhood wordplay and engaging exercises for s...
2025-11-0202 min
Lyrical LiteracySpeckled Frogs | Sing-a-Long (Mayfield)Speckled Frogs | Sing-a-Long (Mayfield)
The Lyrical Literacy podcast transforms the beloved children's counting song "Five Little Speckled Frogs" into an expanded musical journey. This episode features the traditional verses of frogs gradually jumping from a log into a cool pool, but extends beyond the classic ending with additional verses celebrating the frogs' aquatic adventures. The expanded adaptation adds playful descriptions of the frogs swimming, croaking under the moon, and enjoying their watery home with onomatopoeic "splish splash" and "ribbit ribbit" sounds that enhance the rhythmic, educational quality of this counting rhyme. Perfect for young listeners developing early...
2025-11-0103 minLyrical LiteracySpeckled Frogs - A Counting Adventure | Sing-a-Long (Musinique)Speckled Frogs - A Counting Adventure | Sing-a-Long (Musinique)
The Lyrical Literacy podcast transforms the beloved children's counting song "Five Little Speckled Frogs" into an expanded musical journey. This episode features the traditional verses of frogs gradually jumping from a log into a cool pool, but extends beyond the classic ending with additional verses celebrating the frogs' aquatic adventures. The expanded adaptation adds playful descriptions of the frogs swimming, croaking under the moon, and enjoying their watery home with onomatopoeic "splish splash" and "ribbit ribbit" sounds that enhance the rhythmic, educational quality of this counting rhyme. Perfect for...
2025-11-0103 minLyrical LiteracyOver the River and Through the Wood | Xmas Songs (Nik Bear)Over the River and Through the Wood | Xmas Songs (Nik Bear)
The Lyrical Literacy podcast explores a Christmas adaptation of the beloved American poem "Over the River and Through the Wood." Originally written by Lydia Maria Child in 1844 as a Thanksgiving poem, this Christmas version transforms the journey to grandmother's house into a festive sleigh ride filled with holiday imagery. The adaptation weaves together traditional elements like sleigh bells, holly, and stockings with the spiritual essence of Christmas, creating a warm narrative of family gathering and seasonal celebration. Nik Bear Brown's reimagining preserves the nostalgic c...
2025-11-0103 min
Lyrical LiteracyCuphead | Lyrical Literacy Project
Cuphead | Lyrical Literacy Project
Lyrical Literacy Project because sometimes get a kid in engage in reading, singing and learning involves making a simple song about her favorite video game.
Check out the good work that the Lyrical Literacy Project does here https://www.humanitarians.ai/lyrical-literacy
The Cuphead song was cut short to fit the YouTube shorts formet here the full song here
or here https://podcast.humanitarians.ai/
or here https://podcast.musinique.com/
The Lyrical Literacy podcast delivers timeless stories and poems through the science-backed power...
2025-11-0103 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Boogeyman Suggests You Brush Your Teeth | Lyrical Literacy The Boogeyman Suggests You Brush Your Teeth | Lyrical Literacy
The Lyrical Literacy podcast explores the cultural phenomenon of the Boogeyman through rhythmic verse. This episode examines how this shapeshifting creature of childhood fears has been used across generations as a behavioral teaching tool. The poem captures the essence of this mysterious figure who lurks in shadows, under beds, and in closets - not simply to frighten, but to encourage good behavior through gentle intimidation. From eating vegetables to cleaning rooms, the Boogeyman serves as parents' supernatural ally in child-rearing, demonstrating how folklore figures have long been employed to...
2025-11-0102 min
Lyrical LiteracyA Swarm of Bees | Sing Along (Nik Bear)A Swarm of Bees | Sing Along (Nik Bear)
Nik Bear Brown
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0hSpFCJodAYMP2cWK72zI6?si=9Fx2UusBQHi3tTyVEAoCDQ
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nik-bear-brown/1779725275
https://nikbear.musinique.com
2025-11-0102 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Wolf and the Lamb | Aesop's (Nik Bear)The Wolf and the Lamb | Aesop's (Nik Bear)
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a musical adaptation of Aesop's classic fable "The Wolf and the Lamb." This episode explores the timeless theme of how the powerful can manipulate truth to justify oppressing the vulnerable. Through rhythmic verse, we follow a hungry wolf who invents increasingly absurd accusations against an innocent lamb drinking from a stream. Despite the lamb's logical defenses, the wolf's predetermined verdict leads to a tragic end, demonstrating that tyranny needs no excuse and that might often prevails over right in an unjust world.
Origin
2025-10-3103 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Fisherman and His Wife | Grimm's Fairy Tales (Nik Bear)The Fisherman and His Wife | Grimm's Fairy Tales (Nik Bear)
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a musical adaptation of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale "The Fisherman and His Wife." This episode explores themes of greed, contentment, and the dangers of unchecked ambition through rhyming verse and storytelling. Follow the journey of a poor fisherman and his increasingly demanding wife Ilsabill as they encounter a magical wish-granting fish, only to discover that endless desire leads to ultimate loss.
Origin
"The Fisherman and His Wife" (German: "Von dem Fischer und seiner Frau") is a w...
2025-10-3104 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Fox and the Lion (Newton)Don’t Fear That Roar | Aesop's Fable "The Fox and the Lion"
Newton loves this fable too so did another take on it.
This episode of The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a melodic folk-blues rendition of a timeless wisdom tale about conquering fear. Through rhythmic verses, the story follows a fox who initially cowers at a lion's mighty roar—a sound that "could sink a battleship." As days pass, the fox's fear gradually subsides, and eventually, the small creature finds enough courage to question the lion directly: "Why you roar? You feelin' bad?" To the fox's...
2025-10-3104 min
Lyrical LiteracyDon’t Fear That Roar | Aesop's Fable "The Fox and the Lion" (Parvati)Don’t Fear That Roar | Aesop's Fable "The Fox and the Lion"
This episode of The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a melodic folk-blues rendition of a timeless wisdom tale about conquering fear. Through rhythmic verses, the story follows a fox who initially cowers at a lion's mighty roar—a sound that "could sink a battleship." As days pass, the fox's fear gradually subsides, and eventually, the small creature finds enough courage to question the lion directly: "Why you roar? You feelin' bad?" To the fox's surprise, the intimidating beast shows no aggression. The performance concludes with...
2025-10-3103 min
Lyrical LiteracyMama Walk It Straight | Aesop BluesMama Walk It Straight | Aesop Blues
This episode of The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a bluesy retelling of the ancient fable about a mother crab and her child. With rhythmic verses and colorful characterization, the story unfolds as Mama Crab criticizes her little one for walking sideways "like a broke-down steer." When the clever youngster politely asks for a demonstration of proper walking, Mama Crab's attempts at straight walking hilariously fail as she scuttles, stumbles, and spins in circles. The little crab observes with knowing restraint, ultimately delivering the powerful moral: "Before you preach on how to...
2025-10-3103 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Donkey in the Lion's Skin | Aesop'sThe Donkey in the Lion's Skin | Aesop's
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a bluesy re imagining of Aesop's classic fable about authenticity and false pretenses. Through rhythmic verses and colorful imagery, the story follows a downtrodden donkey who discovers a lion's pelt and wears it to frighten other animals. Initially successful in his deception, the donkey struts proudly as smaller creatures flee in terror. However, his masquerade crumbles when he attempts to roar but can only produce his signature bray. A wise fox sees through the charade, delivering the cutting truth: "You can fake the fur, but y...
2025-10-3103 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Bone Job Blues | he Wolf and the Crane FableThe Bone Job Blues | he Wolf and the Crane Fable
Lyrical Literacy presents a bluesy re-imagining of Aesop's "The Wolf and the Crane" fable. Through gritty lyrics and vivid storytelling, it follows a desperate wolf who gets a bone lodged in his throat while feasting. In his moment of vulnerability, he promises riches to a passing crane if the bird will use its long beak to remove the obstruction. The kind but foolish crane performs the dangerous task, successfully extracting the bone from between the wolf's sharp teeth. But when the crane asks for the promised reward...
2025-10-3102 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Fox and the Sour Grapes | Blues Fables |Lyrical LiteracyThe Fox and the Sour Grapes | Blues Fables |Lyrical Literacy
This engaging podcast presents a bluesy reimagining of Aesop's classic "Fox and the Grapes" fable. Through rhythmic verses and vivid imagery, the performance follows a hungry fox who discovers a vine laden with tempting purple grapes hanging just beyond his reach. Despite multiple energetic attempts—jumping, leaping, and charging—the fox fails to reach the fruit. Rather than acknowledge his limitations, he dismisses the unattained prize, declaring the grapes "prob'ly bitter, not ripe, too dry." The lyrics conclude with the timeless moral that we often disparage what we c...
2025-10-3103 min
Lyrical LiteracyWho's Gonna Bell That Cat? | Aesop's FablesWho's Gonna Bell That Cat? | Aesop's Fables
Lyrical Literacy presents a bluesy, poetic retelling of the classic Aesop's fable about mice plotting against their feline predator. Through rhythmic verses and vivid characterization, the performance follows a midnight meeting of mice conspiring to hang a bell around their enemy's neck. The ambitious plan receives enthusiastic support until the sobering question arises: "Who's gonna tie it round her end?" As each mouse makes excuses—White Whisker has "a limp and a twisted twig," Gray Ear "near got snapped"—the impossible plan unravels. The performance concludes with the timeless moral that...
2025-10-3102 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Dog and Its Reflection | Aesop's FablesThat Dog Was Struttin | Lyrical Literacy
Lyrical Literacy presents Aesop's classic fable of the greedy dog as a soulful blues narrative. The performance features alternating male deep bass and female baritone vocals telling the tale of a prideful dog who, upon seeing another dog (his own reflection) with meat, tries to take that meat too—only to lose his own to the flowing water. The arrangement blends acoustic guitar, banjo, harmonica, violin, and gospel organ to create an authentic blues/folk atmosphere that perfectly complements this timeless lesson about greed and contentment. Through call-and-response vocals and...
2025-10-3103 min
Lyrical LiteracyPretty Little Cavalinhos | Lyrical Literacy LullabyPretty Little Cavalinhos | Lyrical Literacy Lullaby
This Lyrical Literacy Lullaby presents a melodic bilingual reimagining of the classic lullaby "All the Pretty Little Horses." The arrangement weaves together the traditional English verses with Portuguese lines ("Todos os lindos cavalinhos"), creating a soothing multicultural soundscape. The expanded lyrics paint vivid imagery of magical horses with "silver saddles" and "golden reins," carrying listeners through dreamy landscapes "where fireflies and dream seeds blow." This gentle composition bridges cultural traditions while maintaining the comforting essence of the original lullaby, making it perfect for both children's bedtime and language learning.
Origin
2025-10-3102 min
Lyrical LiteracyBo's Lullaby || Classic Nursery Rhymes Re-imagined | Lyrical LiteracyBo's Lullaby || Classic Nursery Rhymes Re-imagined | Lyrical Literacy
Lyrical Literacy project re-imagines the classic "Little Bo-Peep" nursery rhyme, beginning with the traditional verses before spinning into a whimsical new adventure. The extended narrative follows Bo-Peep's comical misadventures as she attempts to sew the lost tails back onto her wayward sheep, accidentally stitching one to her own leg in the process. The humorous tale maintains the musical rhythm of the original while adding modern wit and charm as Bo-Peep struggles with her constantly wandering flock. The performance blends traditional lullaby elements with playful storytelling, creating a nostalgic yet...
2025-10-3102 min
Lyrical LiteracyPokémon Mew | Mew, Mew, Mi Secret Fren’ Pokémon Mew | Mew, Mew, Mi Secret Fren’
This poem was created for Humanitarians "Lyrical Literacy" project (https://www.humanitarians.ai/lyrical-literacy) and explores legendary Pokémon Mew through Caribbean patois-infused verses that blend gaming nostalgia with folklore storytelling. The piece transforms the elusive digital creature into a mystical entity that exists between code and imagination. Through alternating poetic styles inspired by e.e. cummings and Shel Silverstein, the narrative captures how Mew transcended its status as a hidden game character to become a shared cultural myth among gamers. The lyrics reflect on how this "secret friend" wasn't...
2025-10-3101 min
Lyrical LiteracyTumbling Down Di Hill: Jack an' Jill's Reggae AdventureTumbling Down Di Hill: Jack an' Jill's Reggae Adventure
In this podcast presents a vibrant Caribbean patois retelling of the classic "Jack and Jill" nursery rhyme. The reimagined version maintains the core story of the pair's hill mishap but expands it with rich cultural flavor, humorous dialogue, and vivid sound effects. Jack still falls and injures his head, but the narrative is enriched with additional characters, modern references (like using a faucet instead of climbing for water), and Jill's empowered conclusion to have Jack fetch her drinks from now on. The performance features multiple voice actors, including...
2025-10-3102 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Wolf and the Lamb | Parable from Aesop'sThe Wolf and the Lamb | Parable from Aesop's
This powerful podcast presents two distinct poetic interpretations of the classic Wolf and Lamb fable. The first offers a rhythmic, traditional telling with simple rhyming structure, while the second employs experimental formatting and evocative imagery to create a haunting, modern retelling. Both versions explore the harsh reality that power often trumps truth, with the innocent lamb's logical defenses proving useless against the wolf's predetermined desire to harm. The experimental second poem intensifies the tragedy with its fractured structure, mirroring the breakdown of justice when might makes right.
Origin
2025-10-3103 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Parable of the Dancing Kid and the Dumb Ol’ Wolf | Aesop's FablesThe Parable of the Dancing Kid and the Dumb Ol’ Wolf | Aesop's Fables
This podcast episode presents a delightful poetic retelling of a classic fable about quick thinking in the face of danger. A young goat (Kid) is cornered by a hungry Wolf on his way home. Rather than accepting his fate, the clever Kid requests one final dance before being eaten. When the Wolf agrees and attempts to play a pipe for the Kid's dance, the music attracts nearby dogs who come charging to the rescue. The Wolf laments his poor decision to be distracted from hi...
2025-10-3103 min
Lyrical LiteracyAesop's fable | The Wolf and the CraneAesop's fable | The Wolf and the Crane
This podcast episode presents a rhythmic retelling of the classic Aesop's fable "The Wolf and the Crane." The story follows a desperate wolf who gets a bone stuck in his throat and pleads with a crane for help. The kind (but foolish) crane uses his long neck to remove the bone, risking his life in the process. When the crane asks for payment afterward, the wolf mockingly replies that escaping with his head intact should be payment enough. The moral warns listeners about the dangers of helping those of dangerous...
2025-10-3103 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Parable of the Frogs Who Asked for a King | Aesop's FableThe Parable of the Frogs Who Asked for a King | Aesop's Fable
A rhyming adaptation of Aesop's classic fable about frogs who, dissatisfied with their peaceful pond life, petition Jupiter (Zeus) for a king. When Jupiter sends them a log as king, they initially respect it but soon find it boring and demand a "real" ruler. Jupiter, annoyed by their ingratitude, then sends a stork who begins devouring the frogs one by one. The moral warns against discontent with peaceful governance and the dangers of desiring powerful but potentially tyrannical leadership.
Origin
This parable comes...
2025-10-3104 min
Lyrical LiteracyPatti Cake, Baker’s WomanPatti Cake, Baker’s Woman
Patti cake
Baker’s woman
Bake me a cake
As fast as you can
Pat it
Prick it
Mark it with p
And hide it warm inside an oven
For baby and me
But wait
She whispers sideways
Enough is never enough
Giraffes and glitterfluff
A pinch of moon
A whisper from mars
Candles that sing
And smell like stars
She stirs
With a spoon of jellybean wood
Dances counte...
2025-10-3002 min
Lyrical LiteracyLittle Red-Cap.
Little Red-Cap
Once 'pon a time, dere lived a sweet likkle gyal loved by everyone, but most of all by her granmada. Her granmada gave her a red velvet cap, which she loved so much dat people called her "Little Red-Cap."
One day, her mada said, "Little Red-Cap, tek dis cake and wine to your granmada. She's ill and needs nourishment, yah know. Stay pon di path and don't bodda wid no foolishness."
"Mi will be careful," promised Little Red-Cap.
Her granmada lived half a league into di...
2025-10-3003 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot (1915)The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot (1915)
"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" was first published in the June 1915 issue of Poetry: A Magazine of Verse, and later included in T.S. Eliot's first collection, "Prufrock and Other Observations" (1917).
This poem is considered one of the most important works of modernist poetry. Eliot actually wrote the poem between 1910 and 1911 while he was a graduate student at Harvard, but it wasn't published until several years later with help from Ezra Pound, who championed Eliot's work.
The poem represents a...
2025-10-3008 min
Lyrical LiteracySong of SixpenceSong of Sixpence
Sing a song
Of sixpence
A pocket full
Of rye
Four and twenty
Blackbirds
Baked
Into a pie
But when it opened
Oh sight oh fright
They flew out with forks in beaks
And started a food fight
The king
In his counting house
Counting golden sighs
A blackbird swooped
Wig went waltzing
Coins fell
Ledgers flipped
The king chairless cried
All the birds yelled
Ha ha ha
2025-10-3003 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Cat and the CockThe Cat and the Cock
A cat was hungry cold and thin
Her patience gone her claws tucked in
She'd searched all day for a mousy snack
But came up empty front to back
Then lo a cock came strutting by
With feathers red and a talkative cry
The cat said low with a gravelly grin
You've crowed your last now let's begin
Excuses fly but hunger stays
The night eats song the morning plays
A voice may plead a wing may flap
But...
2025-10-3003 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe itsy bitsy spiderThe itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the rocking chair
Up jumped a cat
And knocked her in the air
Down plopped the cat
And when he was asleep
The itsy bitsy spider
Back up the chair did creep
The itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the maple tree
She slipped on some dew
And landed next to me
Out came the sun
And when the tree was dry
The itsy bitsy spider
Gave it one more try
The itsy bitsy...
2025-10-3002 min
Lyrical LiteracySacred Emily by Gertrude Stein, 1913 (Spoken Word Nik Bear)Sacred Emily by Gertrude Stein, 1913 (Spoken Word Nik Bear)
Argonauts
That is plenty
Cunning saxon symbol
Symbol of beauty
Thimble of everything
Cunning clover thimble
Cunning of everything
Cunning of thimble
Cunning cunning
Place in pets
Night town
Night town a glass
Color mahogany
Color mahogany center
Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose
Loveliness extreme
Extra gaiters
Loveliness extreme
Sweetest ice cream
Page ages page ages page ages
Wiped wiped wire wire...
2025-10-3002 min
Lyrical LiteracyAllan Bloom, The Closing of the American MindThe Quote
"Universities came to be where men were inspired by the philosophers' teachings and examples. Philosophy and its demonstration of the rational contemplative life, made possible and, more or less consciously, animated scholarship and the individual sciences. When those examples lost their vitality or were overwhelmed by men who had no experience of them, the universities decayed or were destroyed. This, strictly, is barbarism and darkness." — Allan Bloom, "The Closing of the American Mind" (1987)
About the Author
Allan Bloom (1930-1992) was an American philosopher, classicist, and academic who gained prominence with his critique of contemporary higher ed...
2025-10-2700 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Raven by Edgar Allan Poe (1845) | Spoken Word (Nik Bear, Newton and Tuzi Brown)The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe (1845) | Spoken Word (Nik Bear and Tuzi Brown)
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
“’Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door—
Only this and nothing more.”
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December;
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the...
2025-10-2606 min
Lyrical LiteracyLondon Bridge Is Falling Down (And No One Knows Why!) | Nursery Rhyme (Nik Bear Brown)London Bridge Is Falling Down (And No One Knows Why!) | Nursery Rhyme (Nik Bear Brown)
London Bridge is falling down,
Falling down, falling down,
London Bridge is falling down,
My fair lady.
Build it up with wood and clay,
Wood and clay, wood and clay,
Build it up with wood and clay,
My fair lady.
But wood and clay will wash away,
Wash away, wash away,
Wood and clay will wash away,
Guess we’re out of luck today!
2025-10-2602 min
Lyrical LiteracyThe Travelling Musicians | Grimm's Fairy Tales (Tuzi Brown)
The Travelling Musicians | Grimm's Fairy Tales (Tuzi Brown)
An honest farmer had once an ass that had been a faithful servant to him
a great many years, but was now growing old and every day more and more
unfit for work. His master therefore was tired of keeping him and
began to think of putting an end to him; but the ass, who saw that some
mischief was in the wind, took himself slyly off, and began his journey
towards the great city, ‘For there,’ thought he, ‘I may turn musician.’
Af...
2025-10-2607 min
Lyrical LiteracyJorinda and Jorindel | Grimm's Fairy Tales (Tuzi Brown)
Jorinda and Jorindel | Grimm's Fairy Tales (Tuzi Brown)
There was once an old castle, that stood in the middle of a deep gloomy
wood, and in the castle lived an old fairy. Now this fairy could take
any shape she pleased. All the day long she flew about in the form of
an owl, or crept about the country like a cat; but at night she always
became an old woman again. When any young man came within a hundred
paces of her castle, he became quite fixed, and could not...
2025-10-2607 min