I Am Hungry (Manatee Version): Call and Response Song

Sing to the tune of “Frère Jacques/ Are You Sleeping?”

Lyrics:

I am hungry! (I am hungry!)

What should I eat? (What should I eat?)

I think I’ll have some sea grass. (I think I’ll have some sea grass.)

A salty treat. (A salty treat.)

…

I am hungry! (I am hungry!)

What should I crunch? (What should I crunch?)

I think I’ll have some lettuce. (I think I’ll have some lettuce.)

A nice big bunch. (A nice big bunch.)

…

I am hungry! (I am hungry!)

What should I munch? (What should I munch?)

I think I’ll have some mangrove leaves. (I think I’ll have some mangrove leaves.)

A tasty lunch.

…

I am hungry! (I am hungry!)

What should I slurp? (What should I slurp?)

I think I’ll have some algae. (I think I’ll have some algae.)

It makes me burp. (It makes me burp.)

…

I am tired! (I am tired!)

Where should I sleep? (Where should I sleep?)

I think I’ll find a nice canal. (I think I’ll find a nice canal.)

Warm and deep. (Warm and deep.)

Origins:

Lyrics by Stephanie Katz, Youth Services Librarian, Manatee Libraries. Tune from the traditional nursery rhyme “Frère Jacques/ Are You Sleeping?”

Note from Ms. Stephanie:

“Just in time for Summer Reading Program, ‘Oceans of Possibility’ theme! As a librarian at Manatee Libraries (in Manatee County, FL) I definitely need some manatee versions of songs for story time.”

Thank you, Ms. Stephanie, for spreading the manatee love to us all!