Fred Rogers translated important child development concepts into music

“Music is so much a part of me. Throughout my life, I have learned what music can mean in expressing the full range of feelings I want to share. That’s part of what I do on the program, share everyday things that everyone experiences in a musical way.”
     -- Fred Rogers

Many people are surprised to hear that Fred Rogers considered himself first and foremost a musician…or that he was once referred to as a “singing psychiatrist” … or that he composed more than 200 songs. Music plays a central role in the Neighborhood programs, and through his songs, Fred Rogers has translated the concepts of child development into musical messages in a language that children can understand. Some songs celebrate good feelings. Some are calming. Others are for times when children are struggling with a particular issue like jealousy or persistence or being apart from a loved one.

Because the messages are in song form, they are “portable.” Children and adults can take them away from the program and sing them. 

Click on the song titles in the list to the right for the lyrics to some of Fred Rogers' better known songs.