Full of imagination, cool sound effects and exploring the freedom and joy of a child going places.
Calm and gentle, there’s walking, riding a bike and driving in the car.
The walking bass, playful violin, and smooth piano are full of warmth.
Jo Steel’s vocal has a character that gives a nod to the exceptional Julie Andrews.
The story behind the song
Every adult remembers riding a bike as a child with the wind in your hair…
What a freedom it was to go places: the shops, the park, anywhere you wanted!
Children express themselves through movement and they love to explore their world. Their independence contributes to the development of self-esteem, identity and wellbeing.
With the real-life sounds of footsteps, a bicycle, and a car, this song captures some of life’s simplest joys found in travel.
Designed with a slow tempo, this song invites action and participation, yet doesn't leave children in a heightened state of stimulation, rather peaceful and relaxed.
The walking bass stands out and is especially soothing and comforting.
lyrics
Lyrics
Oh the places you’ll go when you’re walking,
You can walk fast or slow and keep talking
You can walk to the park, to the shop down the street
You can walk with your dog, and there’s people you meet
Oh the places you’ll go when you’re walking,
Oh the places you’ll go when you walk
Oh the places you’ll go when you’re riding your bike
Oh the places you’ll go when you’re riding
You can ride all the way to your friend’s house to play
You can ride in the morning and late in the day
Oh the places you’ll go when you’re riding your bike
Oh the places you go when you ride
Oh the places you’ll go when you’re driving
Oh the places you’ll go in your car
You can visit places that seem very far
But you get there so fast, if you go in the car
You can drive to the beach and take your guitar
Oh the places you’ll go in your car
credits
from Watermelon Jazz,
released October 1, 2021
Music and lyrics by Jo Steel
Vocal: Jo Steel
Arrangement: Misha Mullov-Abbado
Piano: Liam Dunachie
Violin: Bridget O’Donnell
Double Bass: Misha Mullov-Abbado
Drums: Scott Chapman
Co-produced by Jo Steel and Misha Mullov-Abbado
Edited and mixed by Misha Mullov-Abbado
Mastered by Donal Whelan at Hafod Mastering, Wales
Vocals recorded by Josh Wermut at XO Studios, Sydney
All instruments recorded & engineered by Misha Mullov-Abbado, London
Album artwork by Katherine Hall at Design & Opinion, Sydney
Jo Steel has combined her love of work as an early childhood educator and musician to
develop Ukubebe
Music: a specialist early
childhood music program in Sydney. Jo's dream is that her second album Watermelon Jazz, will touch the lives of families with young children: that they will sing, dance, be uplifted and inspired in a shared love of fabulous music and the great sounds of jazz....more
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