Dry Bones (folk song)

"Dry Bones," also known as "Dem Bones," is a well-known African-American spiritual and folk song. The song's structure is cumulative, meaning each verse builds upon the previous one, adding a new bone to the skeletal structure being described.

The lyrics, based on the Book of Ezekiel chapter 37 in the Bible, depict the prophet Ezekiel's vision of a valley of dry bones being brought back to life by God. The song progressively names different bones in the human skeleton, starting with the "toe bone," then the "foot bone," "ankle bone," and so on, connecting each bone to the next in the skeletal system. Each verse follows a call-and-response format.

The song is often used in educational settings to teach children about the names and location of bones in the human body. It is also widely performed in religious settings and is part of the African American cultural heritage. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of the song makes it easy to learn and remember, contributing to its enduring popularity. There are many variations in the lyrics and melody, reflecting the song's oral tradition and regional adaptations.