Fall is just around the corner. Soon enough, leaves will change their colors and apples will hang low from their branches, just asking to be picked. It’s the perfect season to introduce your kids to Johnny Appleseed — a man many of us learned about as an American hero, and one I love celebrating for another reason too: Johnny didn’t just love apples, he loved the Lord.
Many of the apple seeds Johnny planted so long ago are still producing fruit today. A few years back, I put his story to music, based on a catchy old nursery rhyme about Johnny himself:
“Oh, the Lord is good to me,
And so I thank the Lord,
For giving me the things I need;
The sun and the rain and the apple seed.
The Lord is good to me…”
I added a little friend to help me sing it — a Jig Limberjack Doll — and I think your kids will love meeting him just as much as they’ll love the song.
Watch the song:
🎵 Listen to the “Johnny Appleseed Song”
Full Lyrics:
Chorus: Oh, the Lord is good to me,
And so I thank the Lord (so joyfully)
For giving me the things I need.
The sun, and the rain, and the apple seed.
The Lord is good to me.
There was a man named Johnny — nicknamed Appleseed
He was a man who loved the Lord and helped all those in need
Some say he was a dreamer but he just had a plan
To see that none went hungry throughout God’s gracious land
Chorus
Johnny planted apple seeds from Massachusetts through Ohio
He would find the perfect spot for each tree. Oh, My O!
Johnny was a friend to all. He lived the Golden Rule
He loved God’s Word, the Bible, and to God, he did stay true
Chorus
So when you see an apple tree growing on the land
Remember good ole Johnny and his master plan
Never be afraid to dream and pray God sees you through
For a small seed of faith can bless all those around you
This Bible song will help your kids thank God for His good gifts, and for this one you will need the following:
- The lyrics above (and your favorite melody, or use my recording!)
- A Jig Limberjack Doll, or any small puppet/toy friend to “dance” along while you sing (optional, but fun!)
I encourage you to learn this song yourself and find your own little friend to help you share the joy of Johnny — and the goodness of God — with the children you minister to this fall.
Suggestions for Success:
- Play the song a few times before teaching it so kids can start humming the chorus on their own.
- Pair this song with a fall or harvest-themed lesson, or an apple-tasting activity, for extra engagement.
- If you don’t have a Limberjack doll, any puppet or toy that can “dance” along to the chorus works just as well.
“The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9
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I love celebrating Johnny Appleseed each fall — not just for his love of apples, but for his love of the Lord! This little song is such a fun way to teach kids gratitude for God’s good gifts.