I Like Bananas, Coconuts, and Grapes Song

Song type: Action song
Best for: All ages
When to use: Gathering time, energy breaks, campfire
Energy level: High
Movement: Lots of action
Noise level: Loud
Use for: Coordination, participation
Scout spirit: Cheerful, friendly

The song I Like Bananas, Coconuts, and Grapes is a favorite in many Scout groups. It is easy to learn and works well with mixed ages. The tune is simple, and the words repeat, so new Scouts can join in right away. This makes it a good choice for pack meetings, campfires, and gatherings where everyone can take part.

This song also helps leaders bring energy into a meeting. It gets everyone moving and smiling. The gestures are fun and keep Scouts engaged. When children act out the words, they relax and feel more connected to the group. It is a quick way to build comfort and confidence.

The actions in the song also help younger Scouts develop coordination. They use their hands, follow directions, and match movements to the words. These small skills support the goals of the Cub Scout program. They encourage listening, cooperation, and participation.

Most of all, the song brings Scouts and families together. Adults can join in the motions or cheer from the side. These shared moments strengthen relationships. They also create memories that help children feel welcome in the Scouting program.

The origin of I Like Bananas, Coconuts, and Grapes is not clear. Songs like this often grow from camp traditions where leaders pass them down by memory. Many groups use simple tunes and repeated lines because they are easy to teach. Over time, different camps add motions or change a few words, so each group ends up with its own version.

Songs with motions have been a part of Scouting from the beginning. Early Scout camps used them to bring groups together. Leaders knew that music helped children relax and join the fun. These short songs spread quickly because Scouts shared them at campfires, hikes, and jamborees. A catchy tune could travel from one camp to another in a single summer.

There are also hints of old music hall or vaudeville songs in the style of this tune. Many early camp songs borrowed simple rhythms from stage acts of the time. These songs used easy words, clear beats, and chances for the audience to act along. This made them perfect for youth groups, especially when adults wanted something light and easy to teach.

In Scouting today, this song carries on the same tradition. It brings groups together and connects younger Scouts with older songs from past generations. Each time a pack sings it, they add their own spirit to a tune that has traveled through many hands and voices.

The melody of the song “I Like Bananas, Coconuts, and Grapes” is a simple and upbeat call-and-response style, with one person or a group singing the lines and the rest of the participants responding. Listen to the tune here.

I like bananas, coconuts, and grapes,
I like bananas, coconuts, and grapes,
I like bananas, coconuts, and grapes,
That’s why they call me Tarzan of the Apes!

As the song progresses, Scouts accompany the lyrics with appropriate gestures and actions. For instance, when singing about bananas, they pretend to peel and eat a banana. When it comes to coconuts, Scouts mime cracking open a coconut with their hands and drinking its refreshing juice. Finally, when the song reaches grapes, they pretend to pluck grapes from an imaginary vine and eat them.

Jungle of Fun Cub Scout Theme

More Songs

If your group enjoys singing I Like Bananas, Coconuts, and Grapes, you can find more songs that work well for meetings and campfires on my website. The collection includes simple tunes that are easy to teach and help bring Scouts together. These songs fit short gatherings, outdoor events, and times when you need a quick burst of energy.

Visit my Songs for Scouts page to explore a wide range of options. You will find songs for young Scouts and older ones, along with ideas for motions and group involvement. This resource can help leaders add more music to their program and keep meetings fun and welcoming.

Harmony of Scouting: The Power of Songs

What age group can use this song?

This song works well for all Cub Scout ranks. The words are simple, and the motions are easy. Younger Scouts can join in right away, and older Scouts enjoy leading the motions.

How do we teach the motions?

Show each motion before you start the song. Peel bananas, crack coconuts, and pick grapes from an imaginary vine. Keep the steps clear and slow at first. Then sing the song together.

Can we use this song at a campfire?

Yes, it fits campfires, pack meetings, and gathering times. It brings energy to the group and helps everyone feel involved.

Do we need music for this song?

No, you can sing it without instruments. A leader can start the tune, and the group follows.

Can Scouts add their own verses?

Yes, many groups enjoy adding fruits or funny motions. Just keep the ideas simple and safe so everyone can join in.

I Like Bananas, Coconuts, and Grapes is a fun action song used in many Scout groups. The words are simple, and the beat is easy to follow. Scouts enjoy acting out each fruit as they sing. They peel bananas, crack coconuts, and pick grapes from an invisible vine. This helps them stay active and involved during meetings or campfires.

The song works well for mixed ages. Younger Scouts enjoy the motions, and older Scouts like leading the group. It helps build confidence because everyone can join in. No music skills are needed. A leader starts the tune, and the group follows with the motions.

Leaders use this song to shift energy in a meeting. It can calm a restless group or wake up a quiet one. The movements help Scouts focus and feel part of the activity. It also creates shared memories that carry from meeting to meeting.

The tune has been passed along at camps for many years. Each group adds its own style or small changes. This helps the song feel fresh each time it is used. Scouts today enjoy the same basic motions that past generations learned at campfires and gatherings.