Youth Activity Archive

A heartwarming scout song that promotes friendship and inclusivity.

This is a Repeat and Answer Song. This song has movements – see recordings to learn the traditional movements.

Recordings

• Spotify – Melinda Carol
• YouTube – GSUSA
• YouTube – Cub Scout Tunes by Amy
• YouTube – The Learning Station

Lyrics

Make new friends, but keep the old.
One is silver, the other is gold.
A circle is round, it has no end.
That’s how long, I will be your friend.

A fire burns bright, it warms the heart.
We’ve been friends, from the very start.
You have one hand, I have the other.
Put them together, we have each other.

Silver is precious, gold is too.
I am precious, and so are you.
You help me and I’ll help you
and together we will see it through.

The sky is blue. The Earth is green
I can help to keep it clean
Across the land, Across the sea
Friends forever we will always be

History

The song “Make New Friends” is based on a poem by Joseph Parry (1841–1903). While the exact date the Girl Scouts began using the verses (or how often they altered the stanzas beyond the first) is not documented, the song has become a deeply embedded tradition in scouting.

The original poem emphasizes that while new friendships are like “new wine” that age will mellow and refine, the “old friends, tried and true” allow us to renew our youth. The poem suggests that as time passes, brows wrinkle, and hair grows gray, friendship itself never knows decay. Because old friends may eventually pass away, the poem teaches that new friends must supply their place, leading to the central message: “New is good, but old is best.”

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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• Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!
• Choose a different Classic Song.
• Return to the Singing Scouts page.