This page features a video of the poem “Benjamin Jones Goes Swimming”, prescribed under the Karnataka State Syllabus for 8th Standard English First Language. Along with its summary in three languages and transliterated songs. It serves as a valuable learning resource for students and parents, with each song accompanied by its respective lyrics for easy sing-along. The synchronized lyrics help learners follow and recite the song as it progresses, making memorization and learning by heart easier, more effective, and enjoyable.
Lyrics
English
Benjamin Jones in confident tones
Told his Wife, “On the Fourth of July
I think I’ll compete in the free-for-all meet
I bet I can win, if I try.”
But his wife said, “My word! How very absurd!
You haven’t gone swimming for years.
With others so fast, you’re sure to be last,
And I’ll blush to the tip of my ears.”
Well, the Fourth quickly came, and waiting acclaim
Were wonderful swimmers galore.
Each poised in his place for the start of the race,
While spectators crowded the shore.
The contest began, and Benjy, poor man
Was passed on the left and the right,
His pace was so slow that a crab saw his toe
And thought it would venture a bite.
Ben noticed the crab as it started to grab
And – perhaps the result can be guessed,
The thought of his toe in the claw of his foe
Made him swim like a swimmer possessed!
And the crowd on the shore sent up a great roar
As Ben took the lead in the dash,
While his wife on the dock received such a shock
She fell in the lake with a splash.
Told his Wife, “On the Fourth of July
I think I’ll compete in the free-for-all meet
I bet I can win, if I try.”
But his wife said, “My word! How very absurd!
You haven’t gone swimming for years.
With others so fast, you’re sure to be last,
And I’ll blush to the tip of my ears.”
Well, the Fourth quickly came, and waiting acclaim
Were wonderful swimmers galore.
Each poised in his place for the start of the race,
While spectators crowded the shore.
The contest began, and Benjy, poor man
Was passed on the left and the right,
His pace was so slow that a crab saw his toe
And thought it would venture a bite.
Ben noticed the crab as it started to grab
And – perhaps the result can be guessed,
The thought of his toe in the claw of his foe
Made him swim like a swimmer possessed!
And the crowd on the shore sent up a great roar
As Ben took the lead in the dash,
While his wife on the dock received such a shock
She fell in the lake with a splash.
Summary
Benjamin Jones confidently tells his wife that he will take part in the Fourth of July swimming race and believes he can win. His wife doubts him because he has not swum for years and expects him to finish last. During the race, the other swimmers quickly move ahead of him. When a crab tries to bite his toe, Benjamin becomes frightened and suddenly swims with great speed. He takes the lead and the crowd cheers loudly. His surprised wife falls into the lake with a splash.
Author