The song’s meaning is rooted in the experiences of enslaved people in the American South, who often used music and storytelling as a way to express their emotions and connect with each other.

The song’s first verse suggests that the singer doesn’t care about their master’s absence, implying a sense of liberation and freedom. The second verse references the idea of resistance and refusal, with the singer pushing back against their master’s orders. The third verse tells a story about a blue-tailed fly biting the master, leading to his death, which can be seen as a form of poetic justice or retribution.

Overall, “Jimmy Crack Corn” is a lively and spirited song that has endured over time as a testament to the creativity and resilience of African American culture.

Controversies

As with a song of this nature, Jimmy Crack Corn is bound to have controversies around it. The word “master” in the lyrics can be seen as perpetuating the idea of slavery and the power dynamics between enslaved people and their owners. 

Another controversy is the portrayal of enslaved people as happy and carefree in the face of their oppression. The song’s first verse, with its repeated line “Jimmy crack corn, and I don’t care,” has been criticized for presenting a false and overly simplistic picture of the experiences of enslaved people. Critics argue that the song reinforces harmful stereotypes.

The song’s third verse, which tells the story of a blue-tailed fly biting the master and leading to his death, has also been controversial. Some have argued that using a fly to kill the master is a form of passive resistance reinforcing the idea that enslaved people were powerless to confront their oppressors directly.

Jimmy Crack Corn Lyrics

Jimmy crack corn, and I don’t care,
Jimmy crack corn, and I don’t care,
Jimmy crack corn, and I don’t care,
My master’s gone away.

The second verse goes:
He told me to plow, and I told him “No.”
He told me to sing, and I told him “No.”
He told me to play the old banjo,
And I called for rain and the winds did blow.

The third verse goes:
One day he rode around the farm,
The flies so numerous they did swarm,
One chanced to bite him on the thigh,
The devil take the blue-tail fly.

Despite its controversial origins, Shoo Fly is very popular among children and adults, featured in many movies and cartoons, including Pixar’s A Bug’s Life.

The lyrics are simple and repetitive, making it easy for children to sing and memorize. The song is usually often accompanied by clapping or hand motions, sung in a playful and lighthearted manner,

Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me Lyrics

Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
For I belong to somebody.
I feel, I feel,
I feel like a morning star.
I feel, I feel,
I feel like a morning star.
Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
For I belong to somebody.

Once one person has had a go, they swap for someone else and continue to go around the room until everyone has been able to take part and until every name has been successfully shared.

There are a number of alternative singing games like this that work on improving a child’s working memory whilst keeping them properly entertained and excited. You may also hear this song being referred to as Hickety Tickety Bumblebee which uses all the same lyrics but just swaps the word Pickety for Tickety.

Hickety Pickety Bumblebee Lyrics

Hickety pickety bumblebee,
Can you sing your name for me?
(One child) My name is “…”
(All together) Your name is “…”

The rhyme was created as a folk song and was made popular in both Britain and America. The music that is used for the song was shared in the 1790 Fifier’s Companion book with no attached lyrics and was then later published again in 1894. The song was designed as a play song and has been a source of entertainment for children since its inception.

It is now believed that the first version of the song with words was shared in 1898 and it has continued to enjoy popular usage ever since.

Oats Peas Beans and Barley Grow Lyrics

(Chorus)
Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow,
Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow,
Can you or I or anyone know
How oats, peas, beans, and barley grow?

First the farmer sows his seed,
Stands erect and takes his ease,
He stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his lands.

(Chorus)

Next the farmer waters the seed,
Stands erect and takes his ease,
He stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his lands.

(Chorus)

Next the farmer hoes the weeds,
Stands erect and takes his ease,
He stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his lands.

(Chorus)

Last the farmer harvests his seed,
Stands erect and takes his ease,
He stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his lands.

(Chorus)

The original song can be traced back to the 1850s with the first published version found in Christy’s Plantation Melodies. No. 2 in 1853. It was originally a type of minstrel song, the Yellow Rose of Texas uses a combination of dialects and phrases that wouldn’t be acceptable for use today.

An altered version of the lyrics was used by Confederate soldiers in 1864 when General John Bell Hood announced it would be used as a marching song. This usage was aimed at increasing the morale of the troops in order for them to deal with long marches and drawn-out battles.

Yellow Rose of Texas Lyrics

There’s a yellow rose in Texas that I am gonna see
Nobody else could miss her, not half as much as me
She cried so when I left her, it like to broke my heart
And if I ever find her we never move apart
She’s the sweetest little rosebud that Texas ever knew
Her eyes are bright as diamonds, they sparkle like the dew
You may talk about your Clementine and sing of Rosa Lee
But the Yellow Rose of Texas is the only girl for me
Where the Rio Grande is flowin’, and starry skies are bright
She walks along the river in the quiet summer night
I know that she remembers when we parted long ago
I promised to return and not to leave her so
She’s the sweetest little rosebud that Texas ever knew
Her eyes are bright as diamonds, they sparkle like the dew
You may talk about your Clementine and sing of Rosa Lee
But the Yellow Rose of Texas is the only girl for me
Oh, now I’m gonna find her, for my heart is full of woe
We’ll do the things together we did so long ago
We’ll play the banjo gaily, she’ll love me like before
And the Yellow Rose of Texas shall be mine forevermore
She’s the sweetest little rosebud that Texas ever knew
Her eyes are bright as diamonds, they sparkle like the dew
You may talk about your Clementine and sing of Rosa Lee
But the Yellow Rose of Texas is the only girl for me

It’s unlikely that Liza Jane was a real person, even though the original composer of the tune isn’t known. That’s because Liza Jane was a name that was regularly used for women in minstrel shows of the time.

Interestingly, the song was originally deemed to be a southern dialect song and was used on TV in 1916. There are plenty of links to black history in this song and many historians state that it was sung by slaves as they worked and passed down through the generations until it became the modern song that many still sing to their children.

Little Liza Jane Lyrics

Where is my tambourine wait a minute I’ll get your tambourine
Got my tambourine get your thing baby
What’s wrong with you what is it you want
Can’t forget my tambourine boy want a minute
This is a folk tune nad it’s called Little Liza Jane
We get some rhythm started here and see what happens
I got a beau you ain’t got none Little Liza Jean
I got a beau you ain’t got none Little Liza Jean
I got a beau you ain’t got none Little Liza Jean
I got a beau you ain’t got none Little Liza Jean
Oh Little Liza Liza Jane oh Little Liza Liza Jean
Oh Little Liza Liza Jane oh Little Liza Liza Jean
Come my love and live with me
I will take good care of thee Little Liza Jean
Come my love and live with me
I will take good care of thee Little Liza Jean
Oh Little Liza Liza Jane oh Little Liza Liza Jean
Oh Little Liza Liza Jane oh Little Liza Liza Jean
Hambone Hammer where you’ve been
Down by the river making gin
I know a man that’s three feet tall
Drink his liquor and has a ball
Saw him just the other day
He had a horse and a ball of hay
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Liza Jean Little Liza Jean
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Liza Jean Little Liza Jean
Oh Little Liza Liza Jane oh Little Liza Liza Jean
Oh Little Liza Liza Jane oh Little Liza Liza Jean
He took me to his great big town
Lots of people standing around
They were listening to a great big band
The bestest music in the land
I tell you once and tell you twice
Enjoy yourself and live your life
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Liza Jean Little Liza Jean
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Lisa Jane Jane Little Liza
Little Liza Jean Little Liza Jean
Oh Little Liza Liza Jane oh Little Liza Liza Jean
Oh Little Liza Liza Jane oh Little Liza Liza Jean

The song originates from the Appalachians and is one of many folk songs which have come from the region and have endured. It was first published in 1877 but the melody is typically credited to Harry Von Tizer in 1912. 

Some people recognize that the rhyme is very similar to an Irish version called Rattlin Bog but there are also a number of other versions that take inspiration from the original too. The song has been used in TV shows and continues to enjoy popularity in America.

And the Green Grass Grows All Around

… Oh in the woods there was a tree
The prettiest tree
You ever did see
And the tree was in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around
… And on that tree
There was a limb
The prettiest limb
That you ever did see
And the limb was on the tree
And the tree in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around
… And on that limb
There was a branch
The prettiest branch
That you ever did see
And the branch was on the limb,
And the limb was on the tree,
And the tree was in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around
… And on that branch
There was a nest
The prettiest nest
That you ever did see
And the nest was on the branch
And the branch was on the limb
And the limb was on the tree
And the tree was in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around
… And in that nest
There was an egg
The prettiest egg
That you ever did see
And the egg was in the nest
And the nest was on the branch
And the branch was on the limb
And the limb was on the tree
And the tree was in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around
… And in that egg
There was a bird
The prettiest bird
That you ever did see
And the bird was in the egg
And the egg was in the nest
And the nest was on the branch
And the branch was on the limb
And the limb was on the tree
And the tree was in the ground
And the green grass grew all around, all around, and the green grass grew all around

Despite being sung as a children’s tune, Old Joe Clark has dark origins. Unlike many other rhymes, Joe Clark was a real person, a mountaineer from Kentucky who was born in 1839 and murdered in 1885. The song is a ballad that became popular with soldiers during the First World War as they sang it when they marched.

The playful and upbeat lyrics don’t hint at the sinister origins, and it’s one of the most popular fiddle songs from the US. It continues to be a popular choice today and has undergone a number of modern adaptations and recordings that people enjoy across the US.

Old Joe Clark Lyrics

Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. Good-bye, Mitzi Brown.
Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. I’m gonna leave this town.
Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. I’m gonna leave this town.
Old Joe Clark used to clean the bar. Liquor was his pay.
Never saved a golden eagle. Drank it all away.
Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. Good-bye, Mitzi Brown.
Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. I’m gonna leave this town.
Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. I’m gonna leave this town.
I don’t want your old time religion or what you got to say, say.
But pass me down that barley jug and I’ll be on my way. A singin’
Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. Good-bye, Mitzi Brown.
Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. I’m gonna leave this town.
Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. I’m gonna leave this town.
Old Joe Clark walked downtown backwards. People asked him, “Why?”
I come back for one more drink while wavin’ you good-bye!
Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. Good-bye, Mitzi Brown.
Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. I’m gonna leave this town.
Fare thee well, old Joe Clark. I’m gonna leave this town.

The earliest surviving manuscript of the Red River Valley contains the notations Harlan 1885 and Nemaha 1879. These are the names of towns in Iowa and counties in Nebraska which adds another layer of confusion about its origin.
According to Canadian folklore enthusiast Edith Fowke, Red River Valley was famous in a number of Canadian provinces before 1896. Based on anecdotal evidence, it is speculated that Red River Valley was composed around 1870 during the Wolseley Expedition. 

Despite variations in titles, you can’t fail to recognize the song as soon as you hear the chorus.

Red River Valley

From this valley they say you are going,
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile,
For they say you are taking the sunshine
Which has brightened our pathways a while.

Chorus

Come and sit by my side if you love me;
Do not hasten to bid me adieu,
But remember the Red River Valley,
And the girl that has loved you so true.

I’ve been thinking a long time, my darling,
Of the sweet words you never would say,
Now, alas, must my fond hopes all vanish?
For they say you are going away.

Won’t you think of the valley you’re leaving,
Oh, how lonely and sad it will be,
Just think of the fond heart you’re breaking,
And the grief you are causing to me.

From this valley they say you are going,
When you go, may your darling go too?
Would you leave her behind unprotected,
When she loves no one other than you.

As you go to your home by the ocean,
May you never forget those sweet hours,
That we spent in the Red River Valley,
And the love we exchanged ‘mid the flowers.

I have promised you, darling, that never
Will a word from my lips cause you pain,
And my life, it will be yours forever,
If you only will love me again.

They will bury me where you have wandered,
Near the hills where the daffodils grow,
When you’re gone from the Red River valley,
For I can’t live without you I know.

The first copyright registration for Boom Boom Ain’t It Great To Be Crazy was credited to Sidney Lippman and Josephine Moore Profitt but the song is believed to have been around for much longer. Songs from the World War I era have been suggested as the inspiration, such as Tide de Um and the slightly later, The Story the Crow Told Me.

Although experts can’t agree on a date when this song was first created, it has a long history of being sung around a campfire. This makes Boom Boom Ain’t It Great To Be Crazy particularly popular with Scouts and other groups. 

The song is made up of several verses and choruses, with each verse telling a nonsensical story designed to make children laugh.

Boom Boom Ain’t It Great To Be Crazy Lyrics

Boom, boom, ain’t it great to be crazy
Boom, boom, ain’t it great to be crazy
Giddy and foolish all day long
Boom, boom, ain’t it great to be crazy?

A horse and a flea and three blind mice
Sat on a curbstone shooting dice
The horse he slipped and fell on the flea
“Whoops,” said the flea, “there’s a horse on me!”

Chorus

Way down South where bananas grow
An ant stepped on an elephant’s toe
The elephant cried with tears in his eyes
“Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?”

Chorus

Eli, Eli, he sells socks
A dollar a pair, a nickel a box
The longer you wear them the shorter they get
Throw’em in the water and they don’t get wet.

Chorus

Way up North where there’s ice and snow
There lived a penguin and his name was Joe
He got so tired of black and white
He wore pink pants to the dance last night!

Chorus

There was an old doctor and his name was Peck
Fell down the well and broke his neck
Served him right, he was doing wrong
Should have tended to the sick, and let the well alone.

Boom, boom, ain’t it great to be crazy
Boom, boom, ain’t it great to be crazy
Giddy and foolish all day long
Boom, boom, ain’t it great to be crazy?
Boom, boom, ain’t it great to be crazy?

The song tells the story of some “Old Mr Johnson” who wants to get rid of his “old yeller cat” but as the song’s title suggests, the cat keeps coming back. Despite the dark subject matter, the lyrics are quite humorous, the old man goes to absurd lengths to get rid of the cat yet it still comes back. 

The lyrics were constantly improved upon and additional situations in which the man wants to get rid of the cat were added with time as the song became part of folk culture.

The Cat Came Back Lyrics

Old Mister Johnson had troubles of his own
He had a yellow cat which wouldn’t leave its home;
He tried and he tried to give the cat away,
He gave it to a man goin’ far, far away.

But the cat came back the very next day,
The cat came back, we thought he was a goner
But the cat came back; it just couldn’t stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea

The man around the corner swore he’d kill the cat on sight,
He loaded up his shotgun with nails and dynamite;
He waited and he waited for the cat to come around,
Ninety seven pieces of the man is all they found.

But the cat came back the very next day,
The cat came back, we thought he was a goner
But the cat came back; it just couldn’t stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea

He gave it to a little boy with a dollar note,
Told him for to take it up the river in a boat;
They tied a rope around its neck, it must have weighed a pound
Now they drag the river for a little boy that drowned.

But the cat came back the very next day,
The cat came back, we thought he was a goner
But the cat came back; it just couldn’t stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea

He gave it to a man going up in a balloon,
He told him for to take it to the man in the moon;
The balloon came down about ninety miles away,
Where he is now, well I dare not say.

But the cat came back the very next day,
The cat came back, we thought he was a goner
But the cat came back; it just couldn’t stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea

He gave it to a man going way out West,
Told him for to take it to the one he loved the best;
First the train hit the curve, then it jumped the rail,
Not a soul was left behind to tell the gruesome tale.

But the cat came back the very next day,
The cat came back, we thought he was a goner
But the cat came back; it just couldn’t stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea

The cat it had some company one night out in the yard,
Someone threw a boot-jack, and they threw it mighty hard;
It caught the cat behind the ear, she thought it rather slight,
When along came a brick-bat and knocked the cat out of sight

But the cat came back the very next day,
The cat came back, we thought he was a goner
But the cat came back; it just couldn’t stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea

Away across the ocean they did send the cat at last,
Vessel only out a day and making water fast;
People all began to pray, the boat began to toss,
A great big gust of wind came by and every soul was lost.

But the cat came back the very next day,
The cat came back, we thought he was a goner
But the cat came back; it just couldn’t stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea

On a telegraph wire, sparrows sitting in a bunch,
The cat was feeling hungry, thought she’d like ’em for a lunch;
Climbing softly up the pole, and when she reached the top,
Put her foot upon the electric wire, which tied her in a knot.

But the cat came back the very next day,
The cat came back, we thought he was a goner
But the cat came back; it just couldn’t stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea

The cat was a possessor of a family of its own,
With seven little kittens till there came a cyclone;
Blew the houses all apart and tossed the cat around,
The air was full of kittens, and not one was ever found.

But the cat came back the very next day,
The cat came back, we thought he was a goner
But the cat came back; it just couldn’t stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea.

There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea Lyrics

There’s a hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a hole, there’s a hole
There’s a hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a log in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a log in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a hole, there’s a hole
There’s a hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a bump on the log in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a bump on the log in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a hole, there’s a hole
There’s a hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a Frog on the bump, on the log, in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a Frog on the bump, on the log, in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a hole, there’s a hole
There’s a hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a wart on the frog, on the bump, on the log, in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a wart on the frog, on the bump, on the log, in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a hole, there’s a hole
There’s a hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a fly on the wart, on the frog, on the bump, on the log, in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a fly on the wart, on the frog, on the bump, on the log, in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a hole, there’s a hole
There’s a hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a flea on the fly, on the wart, on the frog, on the bump, on the log, in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a flea on the fly, on the wart, on the frog, on the bump, on the log, in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a hole, there’s a hole
There’s a hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a smile on the flea, on the fly, on the wart, on the frog, on the bump, on the log, in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a smile on the flea, on the fly, on the wart, on the frog ,on the bump, on the log, in the hole in the bottom of the sea
There’s a hole, there’s a hole
There’s a hole in the bottom of the sea

Apparently the original lyrics of the song were telling the story of a white trader who was courting the daughter of a famous Indian chieftain named Shenandoah, boring her away in his canoe.

Oh Shenandoah Lyrics

Oh Shenandoah,
I long to hear you,
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah,
I long to hear you,
Away, I’m bound away
Cross the wide Missouri.

Oh Shenandoah,
I love your daughter,
Away you rolling river,
I’ll take her ‘cross
That rollin’ water,
Away, I’m bound away
Cross the wide Missouri.

This white man loves
Your Indian maiden,
Away you rolling river
In my canoe
With notions laden
Away, I’m bound away
Cross the wide Missouri.

Farewell, goodbye,
I shall not grieve you,
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah,
I’ll not deceive you
Away, we’re bound away
Cross the wide Missouri.

Oh! Susanna Lyrics

I come from Alabama
With my banjo on my knee,
I’m going to Louisiana,
My true love for to see.

Oh, Susanna,
Oh don’t you cry for me,
For I come from Alabama,
With my banjo on my knee.

It rained all night
The day I left
The weather it was dry
The sun so hot,
I froze to death
Susanna, don’t you cry.

Oh, Susanna,
Oh don’t you cry for me,
For I come from Alabama,
With my banjo on my knee.

I had a dream the other night,
When everything was still,
I thought I saw Susanna,
A-coming down the hill.

Oh, Susanna,
Oh don’t you cry for me,
For I come from Alabama,
With my banjo on my knee.

The buckwheat cake,
Was in her mouth,
The tear was
In her eye,
Says I, I’m coming from the south,
Susanna, don’t you cry.

Oh, Susanna,
Oh don’t you cry for me,
For I come from Alabama,
With my banjo on my knee.

In the late 19th century – early 20th century, the lyrics were changed and oftentimes they were blatantly racist and were performed at minstrel shows by blackface musicians. Two popular racist versions of the song are titled Zip Coon (that was performed at minstrel shows since the mid 19th century) and Nigger Loves a Watermelon performed by Harry C. Browne in 1916.

The initial song was most likely an inspiration from the “My Grandma Lived on Yonder Little Green” song that in itself was inspired by the Irish song “The Old Rose Tree”. There was nothing racist in the song originally and today’s version is also clean of any stereotypes and played more around Thanksgiving time probably due to the “turkey” in the song’s lyrics.

“Turkey in the Straw” Lyrics

As I was a-goin’
On down the road
With a tired team
And a heavy load
I cracked my whip
And the leader sprung
I says day-day
To the wagon tongue
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Roll ’em up and twist ’em up
A high tuck a-haw
And hit ’em up a tune called
Turkey in the Straw
Went out to milk
And I didn’t know how
I milked the goat
Instead of the cow
A monkey sittin’
On a pile of straw
A winkin’ at
His mother-in-law
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Roll ’em up and twist ’em up
A high tuck a-haw
And hit ’em up a tune called
Turkey in the Straw
I came to the river
And I couldn’t get across
So I paid five dollars
For a big bay hoss
Well, he wouldn’t go ahead
And he wouldn’t stand still
So he went up and down
Like an old saw mill
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Roll ’em up and twist ’em up
A high tuck a-haw
And hit ’em up a tune called
Turkey in the Straw
Did you ever go fishin’
On a warm summer day
When all the fish
Were swimmin’ in the bay
With their hands in their pockets
And their pockets in their pants
Did you ever see a fishie
Do the Hootchy-Kootchy Dance?
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Roll ’em up and twist ’em up
A high tuck a-haw
And hit ’em up a tune called
Turkey in the Straw

The song is thought to be originally a slave song from the south but there is not any particular meaning to the lyrics and the term “Polly Wolly” might be a random name.

The song was reinterpreted many times, most famously by Shirley Temple in 1935 in “The Littlest Rebel”. The tune of the song was later used in the 70s for the Boney M hit song “Hooray, Hooray, It’s a Holi-Holiday”.

“Polly Wolly Doodle” Lyrics

Oh, I went down South
For to see my Sal
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day
My Sal, she is A spunky gal
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

Fare thee well, Fare thee well,
Fare thee well my fairy fay
For I’m going to Lou’siana For to see my Susyanna
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

Oh, my Sal, she is A maiden fair
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day
With curly eyes And laughing hair
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

Fare thee well, Fare thee well,
Fare thee well my fairy fay
For I’m going to Lou’siana For to see my Susyanna
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

Behind the barn, Down on my knees
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day
I thought I heard A chicken sneeze
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

Fare thee well, Fare thee well,
Fare thee well my fairy fay
For I’m going to Lou’siana For to see my Susyanna
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

He sneezed so hard With the whooping cough
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day
He sneezed his head And the tail right off
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

Fare thee well, Fare thee well,
Fare thee well my fairy fay
For I’m going to Lou’siana For to see my Susyanna
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

Oh, a grasshopper sittin’ On a railroad track
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day
A-pickin’ his teeth
With a carpet tack
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

Fare thee well,
Fare thee well,
Fare thee well my fairy fay
For I’m going to Lou’siana For to see my Susyanna
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

Oh, I went to bed But it wasn’t any use
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day
My feet stuck out Like a chicken roost
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

Fare thee well, Fare thee well,
Fare thee well my fairy fay
For I’m going to Lou’siana For to see my Susyanna
Sing Polly wolly doodle all the day

The tune of the song is similar to the tune of On Top of Old Smokey, in fact that song was likely the inspiration for “On Top of Spaghetti”.

The lyrics of On Top of Spaghetti are more fun and catchy, a particularity that made them one of the most popular campfire songs in the USA for decades.

“On Top Of Spaghetti” Lyrics

Om top of spaghetti all covered with cheese
I lost my poor meatball when somebody sneezed

It rolled off the table, it rolled on the floor
And then my poor meatball rolled out of the door

It rolled in the garden and under a bush
And then my poor meatball was nothing but mush.

The mush was as tasty as tasty could be,
And early next summer it grew to a tree.

The tree was all covered with beautiful moss
It grew great big meatballs and tomato sauce.

So if you eat spaghetti all covered with cheese,
Hold on to your meatball and don’t ever sneeze.

“Danny Boy” Lyrics

Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side.
The summer’s gone, and all the roses falling,
It’s you, It’s you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow,
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow,
It’s I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow,—
Oh, Danny boy, O Danny boy, I love you so!

But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying,
If I am dead, as dead I well may be,
Ye’ll come and find the place where I am lying,
And kneel and say an Avè there for me.
And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me,
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be,
For you will bend and tell me that you love me,
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me!

The song can be a metaphor for many situations that seem simple or insignificant and can become complicated if we find inappropriate solutions or if we think we are invincible.

First known simply as “I know an old lady”, the lyrics of “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” was written in its current form by the author of the book with the same name, Rose Bonne and the music by artist Alan Millis, in 1952.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly Lyrics

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!

She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a bird;
How absurd to swallow a bird!

She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a cat;
Fancy that! She swallowed a cat!

She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady that swallowed a dog;
What a hog, to swallow a dog!

She swallowed the dog to catch the cat,
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!

She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a goat;
She just opened her throat and swallowed a goat!

She swallowed the goat to catch the dog,
She swallowed the dog to catch the cat,
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a cow;
I don’t know how she swallowed a cow!

She swallowed the cow to catch the goat,
She swallowed the goat to catch the dog,
She swallowed the dog to catch the cat,
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’s dead
There was an old lady who swallowed a horse;

…She’s dead, of course!

It was first recorded in 1926 in the Gullah dialect by Robert Winslow Gordon. The song gained popularity all over America and even internationally and later it has been used as a campfire song and summer camps.

Kumbaya Meaning

Originally the song was an appeal to God to come and help the people in need. Kumbaya is a call for divine intervention against oppression. The song represents strength and power and a sense of community and shared struggles.

The song was later used by protesters but it did not lose its meaning whether it was used by students protesting corruption in Gary, IN in 1966 or environmental groups in Middletown, PA in 1980.

Lately the song became a political one being mocked by certain groups, although the song is not a political one at its core.

Kumbaya Lyrics

Kumbaya, my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya, my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya, my Lord, kumbaya
Oh, Lord, kumbaya (oh, Lord, kumbaya)

Someone’s cryin’, Lord, kumbaya
Someone’s cryin’, Lord, kumbaya
Someone’s cryin’, Lord, kumbaya
Oh, Lord, kumbaya (oh, Lord, kumbaya)

Someone’s singin’, Lord, kumbaya
Someone’s singin’, Lord, kumbaya
Someone’s singin’, Lord, kumbaya
Oh, Lord, kumbaya (oh, Lord, kumbaya)

Kumbaya, my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya, my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya, my Lord, kumbaya
Oh, Lord, kumbaya (oh, Lord, kumbaya)

The song’s lyrics most likely refer to the Countess of Warwick, Daisy Greville, one of King Edward VII.

Daisy Bell is one of the most covered songs, having been covered by artists like Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Blur, Katy Perry, Nick Cave and others. It was also the first song sung using speech synthesis and HAL in Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey sang this song as well while being disconnected.

The “Bicycle Built for Two” part was added when Dacre visited the USA and had to pay import taxes. His composer friend, William Jerome mentioned that it is good he did not bring over a bicycle built for two (a tandem bike), otherwise the import duty would be double.

“Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built For Two)” Lyrics

Daisy, Daisy give me your answer do.
I’m half crazy all for the love of you.
It won’t be a stylish marriage,
I can’t afford a carriage.
But you’ll look sweet,
Upon the seat,
Of a bicycle made for two.

Michael, Micheal, here is your answer true.
I’m not crazy all for the love of you.
There won’t be any marriage,
If you can’t afford a carriage.
‘Cause I’ll be switched,
If I get hitched,
On a bicycle built for two!”

“I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” Lyrics

I’ve been workin’ on the railroad
All the livelong day
I’ve been workin’ on the railroad
Just to pass the time away
Can’t you hear the whistle blowin’
Rise up so early in the morn
Can’t you hear the captain shouting
“Dinah, blow your horn”.

Dinah won’t you blow
Dinah won’t you blow
Dinah won’t you blow your horn
Dinah won’t you blow
Dinah won’t you blow
Dinah won’t you blow your horn.

Someone’s in the kitchen with Dinah
Someone’s in the kitchen I know
Someone’s in the kitchen with Dinah
Strummin’ on the old banjo,
Singin’ “Fe Fi Fiddly I Oh,
Fe Fi Fiddly I Oh,
Fe Fi Fiddly I Oh,”
Strummin’ on the old banjo.

It is believed it was written by Percy Montrose in 1884 based on a song called “”Down by the River Liv’d a Maiden” by Henry S Thompson in 1863. It is possible that the tune was first sung by Mexican goldminers, hence the reference to the mines and forty-niners (miners from the gold rush of 1849).

Later in 1941 a Bing Crosby version of the song reached the charts and subsequently it was used in many movies and cartoons.

“Oh My Darling Clementine”Lyrics

Oh my darling, oh my darling. Oh my darling, Clementine,
You were lost and gone forever, dreadful sorrow, Clementine.
In a cavern, in a canyon, excavating for a mine.
Lived a miner forty-niner, and his daughter Clementine.
Yes i love her, how i love her, thought her shoes were number nine.
Herring boxes without topses, sandals were for Clementine.
Oh my darling, oh my darling. Oh my darling, Clementine,
You were lost and gone forever, dreadful sorrow, Clementine.
Drove the horses to the water, every morning just at nine.
Hit her foot against a splinter, fell into the foaming brine.
Ruby lips above the water, blowing bubbles soft and fine.
But at last, I was no swimmer, so I lost my Clementine.
Oh my darling, oh my darling. Oh my darling, Clementine,
You were lost and gone forever, dreadful sorrow, Clementine.
You were lost and gone forever, dreadful sorrow, Clementine.

It has been covered extensively during the years by artists such as Dinah Shore in 1949 or Laura Wright in 2011 but its popularity today can be most likely attributed to the song being featured in the 2015 Disney movie “Cinderella”.

The rhyme shares the same tune with Diddle Diddle.

“Lavender’s Blue” Lyrics

Lavender’s blue, dilly dilly, lavender’s green,
When I am king, dilly dilly, you shall be queen:
Who told you so, dilly dilly, who told you so?
‘Twas mine own heart, dilly dilly, that told me so.
Call up your men, dilly dilly, set them to work,
Some with a rake, dilly dilly, some with a fork;
Some to make hay, dilly dilly, some to thresh corn,
Whilst you and I, dilly dilly, keep ourselves warm.
If you should die, dilly dilly, as it may hap,
You shall be buried, dilly dilly, under the tap;
Who told you so, dilly dilly, pray tell me why?
That you might drink, dilly dilly, when you are dry.

“Lavender’s Blue” Original Version

Lavender’s blue, dilly, dilly, lavender’s green,
When I am king, dilly, dilly, you shall be my queen;
Call up your men, dilly, dilly, set them to work,
Some to the plough, dilly, dilly, some to the cart;
Some to make hay dilly, dilly, some the thresh corn;
Whilst you and I, dilly, dilly, keep ourselves warm.

The first lines of the song were published for the first time around 1744 in Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book (London). The modern version goes like this:

“Girls and Boys Come Out To Play” Lyrics

Boys and girls come out to play,
The moon doth shine as bright as day,
Leave your supper,
and leave your sleep,
And come with your playfellows into the street.
Come with a whoop, come with a call,
Come with a good will, or not at all.
Up the ladder and down the wall,
A halfpenny loaf will serve us all.
You find milk, and I’ll find flour,
And we’ll have pudding within the hour.

The modern version of “Three Little Kittens” rhyme was written by Eliza Lee Cabot Follen. It was first published in 1833 in the United States anonymously and only ten years later under her signature. But the lyrics are much older, having its origin in the English folk.

It is the story of three little cats who lose and then find their mittens and how they finally get the approval of their mother to have some pie.

“Three Little Kittens” Lyrics

Three little kittens they lost their mittens,
And they began to cry,
Oh, mother dear, we sadly fear
Our mittens we have lost.
What! lost your mittens, you naughty kittens!
Then you shall have no pie.
Mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow.
No, you shall have no pie.

The three little kittens they found their mittens,
And they began to cry,
Oh, mother dear, see here, see here,
Our mittens we have found!
Put on your mittens, you silly kittens,
And you shall have some pie.
Purr-r, purr-r, purr-r,
Oh, let us have some pie.

The three little kittens put on their mittens,
And soon ate up the pie;
Oh, mother dear, we greatly fear
Our mittens we have soiled.
What! soiled your mittens, you naughty kittens!
Then they began to sigh,
Mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow.
Then they began to sigh.

The three little kittens they washed their mittens,
And hung them out to dry;
Oh! mother dear, do you not hear,
Our mittens we have washed!
What! washed your mittens, then you’re good kittens,
But I smell a rat close by.
Mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow.
We smell a rat close by.

It was first recorded in 1794 in the Gammer Gurton’s Garland collection by Joseph Ritson but some researchers claim the lyrics could be older than this period.

King George II and his wife Queen Caroline both have been claimed to be the character of this song, due to the fact that they had eight children together, all of them being members of a parliament which the king himself did not control very successfully.

The lyrics were often put in the context of his trial to financially restore his family and country as well. King George was often nicknamed as an old lady during his reign.

“There was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” Lyrics

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe.
She had so many children, she didn’t know what to do;
She gave them some broth without any bread;
Then whipped them all soundly and put them to bed.

The current version differs from the original in 1939. The original’s first verse was:

“The wheels on the bus go round and round round and round, round and round, The wheels on the bus go round and round over the city streets.”

The lyrics have changed through the times, with many new actions being added (wiping the windows, engine going vroom etc). Today, the Wheels on the Bus is very popular among kids of all ages; its simple tune is easy to memorize and sing.

The Wheels on the Bus Lyrics

The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round, round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All through the town

The wipers on the bus go “Swish, swish, swish,
Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish”
The wipers on the bus go “Swish, swish, swish”
All through the town.

The people on the bus go, “chat, chat, chat,
cha,,chat chat,chat chat ,chat
The people on the bus go, “, chat,chat,chat
All through the town.

The horn on the bus go “Beep, beep, beep
Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep”
The horn on the bus go “Beep, beep, beep”
All through the town.

The baby on the bus go, “wah, wah, wah!
wah, wah, wah, wah, wah, wah!”
The baby on the bus go, “wah, wah, wah!”
All through the town.

The mummy on the bus go, “ssss sh,ssss sh,ssss sh,
“”ssss sh,ssss sh,ssss sh
The mummy on the bus go, “”ssss sh,ssss sh,ssss sh”
All through the town.

The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round, round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All through the town.

“The Wheels on the Bus” Video

Its lyrics evoke an historical character which is associated with one of the Grand Dukes of York, but there are no clear evidences about his real origin or identity. Although there is no consensus, most often the character is attributed to the Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany.

The oldest known version of this rhyme, recorded as “Old Tarlton’s song” in 1642 belonged to a stage clown from 16 century, named Richard Tarlton. Here are the lyrics:

“The King of France with forty thousand men,
Came up a hill and so came downe againe.”

“The Grand Old Duke of York” Lyrics

Oh, The grand old Duke of York,
He had ten thousand men;
He marched them up to the top of the hill,
And he marched them down again.

And when they were up, they were up,
And when they were down, they were down,
And when they were only half-way up,
They were neither up nor down

Although first published in 1881 only, it is believed that the tune of the song was well known at least one hundred years before as well. A very similar German nursery rhyme and singing game was already published in the 18th century.

Ring Around the Rosie Meaning

There is a theory that the lyrics would depict the Great Plague, but this was proved to be unfounded, as this claim originated in the 20th century and was based upon the modern version of the lyrics, not the original ones.

Ring Around the Rosie Game

“Ring Around the Rosie” is a very popular singing game and it is easy to learn. Children hold hands and dance around until at the end of each stanza an action is taken – falling down or getting up. There are many known versions of the song and various different actions can be performed as well (jumping up or kneeling down).

“Ring Around the Rosie” Lyrics

Below you can find the lyrics of
a popular version of Ring Around the Rosie

Ring a ring o’ roses (Ring Around the Rosie}
A pocketful of posies
a-tishoo, a-tishoo
We all fall down.

The King has sent his daughter
To fetch a pail of water
a-tishoo, a-tishoo
We all fall down.

The bird upon the steeple
Sits high above the people
a-tishoo, a-tishoo
We all fall down.

The cows are in the meadow
Lying fast asleep
a-tishoo, a-tishoo
We all get up again.

There aren’t many evidences about the origin of this song and its author is unknown. Most commonly the lyrics are connected with the Great Smoky or Smokey Mountains located along the Tennessee and North Carolina border, an area populated by Irish and Scottish people. It is believed that the song dates back to the 1840’s. However it was first recorded in 1911 by Belden, in the USA.

The song has become popular in 1951 when it was performed by Pete Seeger within the American folk band The Weavers. It has also been played by some notorious singers and bands such as Libby Holman (1942) Burl Ives (1951), ABBA (1978) Bruce Springsteen (1980s) or much earlier by the country musician George Reneau (1926) or the folk singer Bradley Kincaid (1929).

“On Top of Old Smokey” Lyrics

On top of old Smokey,
All covered with snow,
I lost my true lover
From courtin’ too slow.

From courtin’ too slow, dear,
From courtin’ too slow,
I lost my true lover
From courtin’ too slow.
On top of old Smokey,
I went for to weep,
For a false-hearted lover
Is worse than a thief.

Is worse than a thief, dear,
Is worse than a thief,
For a false-hearted lover
Is worse than a thief.
For a thief, he will rob you,
Of all that you have,
But a false-hearted lover
Will send you to your grave.

Will send you to your grave, dear,
Will send you to your grave,
But a false-hearted lover
Will send you to your grave.
He’ll hug you and kiss you,
And tell you more lies,
Than the ties of the railroad
Or the stars in the skies.

The stars in the skies, dear,
The stars in the skies,
He’ll tell you more lies, dear,
than the stars in the skies.

The rhyme was first recorded in 1801 and in the beginning it was a singing game but it lost this purpose in the 20th century.

The place Babylon was changed in the rhyme with other different destinations, like London town, Barberry or Berry Bright.

“How many miles to Babylon” Lyrics

How many miles to Babylon?
Three score miles and ten.
Can I get there by candle-light?
Yes, and back again.
If your heels are nimble and light,
You may get there by candle-light.
The Scottish version of the song longer with the following lyrics:
King and Queen of Cantelon,
How many miles to Babylon?
Eight and eight, and other eight.
Will I get there by candle-light?
If your horse be good and your spurs be bright.
How mony men have ye?
Mae nor ye daur come and see.

The rhyme first appeared in 1548 titled “The frog came to the myl dur” (Scots language) in Wedderburn’s Complaynt of Scotland. The song was first recorded by Thomas Ravenscroft in 1611.

Also known as “Frog Went A Courtin”, “Froggy Went A Courtin” tells the story of Mr Frog who is asking Miss Mouse to marry him.

There are a couple of versions of this song, all of them telling roughly the same story.

Probably the most popular version that is popular with kids is the one that finishes with the marriage between Frog and Miss Mouse.

“Froggy Went A Courtin” Lyrics

Froggy went a courtin’ and he did ride, uh-huh
Froggy went a courtin’ and he did ride, uh-huh
Froggy went a courtin’ and he did ride
With a sword and a pistol by his side, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

He rode right up to Miss Mousie’s door, uh-huh
He rode right up to Miss Mousie’s door, uh-huh
He rode right up to Miss Mousie’s door
Gave three loud raps, and a very big roar, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh

He said, “Miss Mouse, will you marry me? uh-huh
He said, “Miss Mouse, will you marry me? uh-huh
He said, “Miss Mouse, will you marry me?
And oh so happy we will be, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

“Not without Uncle Rat’s consent”, uh-huh
“Not without Uncle Rat’s consent”, uh-huh
“Not without Uncle Rat’s consent”
“Would I marry the President,” uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

Uncle Rat, he went downtown, uh-huh
Uncle Rat, he went downtown, uh-huh
Uncle Rat, he went downtown
To buy his niece a wedding gown, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

Where shall the wedding supper be? uh-huh
Where shall the wedding supper be? uh-huh
Where shall the wedding supper be?
Way down yonder in the hollow tree, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

The first to come in was a bumble bee, uh-huh
The first to come in was a bumble bee, uh-huh
The first to come in was a bumble bee
With a big bass fiddle on his knee, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

Next to come in was the big black snake, uh-huh
Next to come in was the big black snake, uh-huh
Next to come in was the big black snake
He gobbled down the wedding cake, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

Little bit of biscuit on the shelf, uh-huh
Little bit of biscuit on the shelf, uh-huh
Little bit of biscuit on the shelf
If you want anymore you can sing it yourself, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

In 1761 some lyrics have been changed by its supporters.

The song is also associated with Bridget Belasyse, the heiress of Brancepeth Castle, who suffered when Robert Shafto broke her hearth and got married to the heiress of Duncombe Park in Yorkshire, Anne Duncombe. It is said the she died 2 weeks after she found out the news.

It is believed that the real Bobby Shafto was an Irish, who lived in County Wicklow in the 18th century. Here is the first published version of the song from 1805.

“Bobby Shafto” Lyrics

Bobby Shafto’s gone to sea,
Silver buckles at his knee;
He’ll come back and marry me,
Bonny Bobby Shafto!
Bobby Shafto’s bright and fair,
Panning out his yellow hair;
He’s my love for evermore,
Bonny Bobby Shafto!

Additional lyrics were added in 1812 in Rhymes of Northern Bards, by in John Bell.

Bobby Shafto’s getten a bairn,
For to dangle on his arm;
In his arm and on his knee,
Bobby Shafto loves me.

The song is probably a version of Lord Randall, and it was first known as Willie Lad and Charming William.

“Billy Boy” Lyrics

Oh, where have you been,
Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Oh, where have you been,
Charming Billy?
I have been to seek a wife,
She’s the joy of my life,
She’s a young thing
And cannot leave her mother.

Did she ask you to come in,
Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Did she ask you to come in,
Charming Billy?
Yes, she asked me to come in,
There’s a dimple in her chin.
She’s a young thing
And cannot leave her mother.

Can she make a cherry pie,
Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Can she make a cherry pie,
Charming Billy?
She can make a cherry pie,
Quick as a cat can wink an eye,
She’s a young thing
And cannot leave her mother.

How old is she,
Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
How old is she,
Charming Billy?
Three times six and four times seven,
Twenty-eight and eleven,
She’s a young thing
And cannot leave her mother.