“My Breakfast Lies Over The Ocean” Lyrics

My breakfast lies over the ocean,
My dinner lies over the sea,
My stomach is in a commotion,
Don’t mention my supper to me.

(Chorus)
Bring back, bring back,
O bring back my bucket to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
O bring back my bucket to me.

I really felt rotten this morning,
They tell me I really looked pale,
My stomach gave adequate warning,
To lean far out over the rail.

(Chorus)
Bring back, bring back,
O bring back my bucket to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
O bring back my bucket to me.

The sound of a stomach in motion,
A murmuring noise inside me,
I looked down and there on the water,
Was breakfast and dinner and tea.

(Chorus)
Bring back, bring back,
O bring back my bucket to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
O bring back my bucket to me.

The Owl and the Pussycat was voted the most popular children’s poem on the UK’s National Poetry Day ahead of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Humpty Dumpty. 

Lyrics

The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea
In a beautiful pea-green boat,
They took some honey, and plenty of money,
Wrapped up in a five-pound note.

The Owl looked up to the stars above,
And sang to a small guitar,
‘O lovely Pussy! O Pussy, my love,
What a beautiful Pussy you are,
You are,
You are!
What a beautiful Pussy you are!’

Pussy said to the Owl, ‘You elegant fowl!
How charmingly sweet you sing!
O let us be married! too long we have tarried:
But what shall we do for a ring?’

They sailed away, for a year and a day,
To the land where the Bong-tree grows,
And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood
With a ring at the end of his nose,
His nose,
His nose,
With a ring at the end of his nose.

‘Dear Pig, are you willing to sell for one shilling
‘Your ring?’ Said the Piggy, ‘I will.
So they took it away, and were married next day
By the Turkey who lives on the hill.

They dined on mince, and slices of quince,
Which they ate with a runcible spoon;
And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon,
The moon, 
The moon,
They danced by the light of the moon.

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.

The origins of Jenny Jenkins are not well known but many experts claim that it would have been used as a song that was passed on from person to person by word of mouth, making it impossible to credit the original lyric writer.

The song was first found in the Green Mountain Songster in 1823 and continues to be a popular choice for a playground rhyme in the USA, helping young people break the ice and get to know new people easier.

Jenny Jenkins Lyrics

Will you wear white, oh my dear, oh my dear,
Will you wear white, Jenny Jenkins?
No I won’t wear white, the color’s too bright.
I’ll buy me a fol-de-roldy, tilly-toldy, seek-a-double,
Use-a-cause-a roll to find me.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.

Will you wear green, oh my dear, oh my dear,
Will you wear green, Jenny Jenkins?
No I won’t wear green, it’s a shame to be seen.
I’ll buy me a fol-de-roldy, tilly-toldy, seek-a-double,
Use-a-cause-a roll to find me.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.

Will you wear blue, oh my dear, oh my dear,
Will you wear blue, Jenny Jenkins?
No I won’t wear blue, the color’s too true.
I’ll buy me a fol-de-roldy, tilly-toldy, seek-a-double,
Use-a-cause-a roll to find me.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.

Will you wear yellow, oh my dear, oh my dear,
Will you wear yellow, Jenny Jenkins?
No I won’t wear yellow, I’ll never get a fellow.
I’ll buy me a fol-de-roldy, tilly-toldy, seek-a-double,
Use-a-cause-a roll to find me.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.

Will you wear brown, oh my dear, oh my dear,
Will you wear brown, Jenny Jenkins?
No I won’t wear brown, cause I’d never get around.
I’ll buy me a fol-de-roldy, tilly-toldy, seek-a-double,
Use-a-cause-a roll to find me.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.

Will you wear beige, oh my dear, oh my dear,
Will you wear beige, Jenny Jenkins?
No I won’t wear beige, cause it shows my age.
I’ll buy me a fol-de-roldy, tilly-toldy, seek-a-double,
Use-a-cause-a roll to find me.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.

Will you wear orange, oh my dear, oh my dear,
Will you wear orange, Jenny Jenkins?
No orange I won’t wear, it rhymes so there.
I’ll buy me a foldy roldy tildy toldy, seek a double,
Use a causa roll to find me.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.

Will you wear black, oh my dear, oh my dear,
Will you wear black, Jenny Jenkins?
No I won’t wear black, it’s the color of my back.
I’ll buy me a foldy roldy tildy toldy, seek a double,
Use a causa roll to find me.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.

Will you wear red, oh my dear, oh my dear,
Will you wear red, Jenny Jenkins?
I won’t wear red, it’s the color of my head.
I’ll buy me a fol-de-roldy, tilly-toldy, seek-a-double,
Use-a-cause-a roll to find me.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.

Will you wear pink, oh my dear, oh my dear,
Will you wear pink, Jenny Jenkins?
Well, what do you think? I won’t wear pink.
I’ll buy me a foldy roldy, tildy toldy, seek a double,
Usa causa roll to find me.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.

Then what will you wear, oh my dear, oh my dear,
What will you wear, Jenny Jenkins?
Oh, what do you care, if I just go bare.
I’ll buy me a fol-de-roldy, tilly-toldy, seek-a-double,
Use-a-cause-a roll to find me.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll.

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 tale of the Gingerbread Man was released in 1875 and has been updated and reimagined many times since, with references to the gingerbread man in popular culture and films such as Shrek.

The reason that this rhyme is popular is that it slowly builds pace as the gingerbread man escapes each person or animal, returning back to the catchy rhyme he shouts as he escapes. Many children have loved listening to the tale of the gingerbread man and look forward to shouting out the rhyme until the tale reaches the climatic moment.

Gingerbread Man Lyrics

Run, run, run as fast as you can.
You’ll never catch me, I’m the gingerbread man.
I ran from the baker and his wife too.
You’ll never catch me, not any of you.
The baker made a boy one day
Who leapt from the oven ready to play.
He and his wife were ready to eat
The gingerbread man who had run down the street.
Run, run, run as fast as you can,
You’ll never catch me, I’m the gingerbread man.
I ran from the baker and his wife too.
You’ll never catch me, not any of you.
Then came a pig and cow and hare
Who joined in the chase around the square.
They were all hungry and ready to eat,
But that gingerbread man was too quick on his feet.
Run, run, run as fast as you can,
You’ll never catch me, I’m the gingerbread man
I ran from the baker and his wife too
You’ll never catch me, not any of you
He came to a pond that blocked his path
And gingerbread men don’t like to bath.
Out jumped a fox who said, “hop on,
I will take you safely across the pond.”
Run, run, run as fast as you can.
You’ll never catch me, I’m the gingerbread man.
I ran from the baker and his wife too.
You’ll never catch me, not any of you.
He climbed up onto the fox’s back,
Who licked his lips and wanted to snack.
He climbed onto the fox’s head,
Who loved the taste of gingerbread.
Run, run, run as fast as you can.
You’ll never catch me I’m the gingerbread man.
He trusted the fox to help his plan
And that was the end of the gingerbread man

This rhyme is sometimes associated with a game that involves one child lying in the middle of the circle and another child playing “Mother” who tries to rouse them as everyone sings the song. Once the child is finally roused, the song then starts again with a different child taking on the role of Lazy Mary and another playing her mother.

A similar rhyme called She Won’t Get Up from Alabama in the early 1900s may have provided inspiration for the lyrics that we know today.

Lazy Mary Lyrics

Lazy Mary will you get up,
Will you get up, will you get up.
Lazy Mary will you get up,
Will you get up today.

No, no mother I wont get up,
I wont get up, I wont get up.
No, no mother I wont get up,
I wont get up today.

Oh, dear Mary, you must get up,
You must get up, you must get up.
Oh, dear Mary, you must get up,
You must get up today.

Yes dear mother, I will get up,
I will get up, I will get up.
Yes dear mother I will get up,
I will get up today.

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

As a playground song, it is extremely popular because children often enjoy taboo subjects and references to things that are disgusting! There are some regional variations in the lyrics but they all use alliteration to describe disgusting dishes that the children have eaten.

As you might expect, it is a song that children enjoy singing in the playground or at camp after dinner and is often used in Scouting and Guiding associations to entertain children before they go back to their tents to sleep.

Great Green Gobs of Greasy, Grimy Gopher Guts Lyrics

Great green gobs of greasy grimy gopher guts
Mutilated monkey meat
Hairy pickled piggy feet
French fried eyeballs floating in some kerosene
And me without a spoon.

Great green gobs of greasy grimy gopher guts
Scab sandwich, puss on top
Vulture vomit, camel snot
Deep dish boogers soaking in a bowl of fat
And me without a spoon.

Great green gobs of greasy grimy gopher guts
Parrot eyeballs dipped in glue
Petrified porpoise puss
Flaming ear wax bobbing in a bowl of barf
And me without a spoon.

Great green gobs of greasy grimy gopher guts
Dessicated dinosaur dung
Percollated pelican poop
Tortoise turd balls with the little flies inside
And me without a spoon.

How Much is That Doggie in the Window? was the first song to top the charts which had a question in its title, and was also the first number 1 to be sung by a woman. Interestingly, as time has passed, the song is incorrectly believed to have originated as a song written for children who loved dogs.

Despite enjoying chart success, How Much is That Doggie in the Window? is widely viewed as a children’s song. Although Bob Merrill is credited as the composer, the song shares many similarities with the traditional folk song, Carnival of Venice.

How Much is That Doggie in the Window? Lyrics

How much is that doggie in the window?
The one with the waggly tail
How much is that doggie in the window?
I do hope that doggie’s for sale
I must take a trip to California
And leave my poor sweetheart alone
If he has a dog, he won’t be lonesome
And the doggie will have a good home
How much is that doggie in the window?
The one with the waggly tail
How much is that doggie in the window?
I do hope that doggie’s for sale
I read in the papers there are robbers
With flashlights that shine in the dark
My love needs a doggie to protect him
And scare them away with one bark
I don’t want a bunny or a kitty
I don’t want a parrot that talks
I don’t want a bowl of little fishies
He can’t take a goldfish for a walk
How much is that doggie in the window?
The one with the waggly tail
How much is that doggie in the window?
I do hope that doggie’s for sale

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

The rhyme appears to have been inspired by a Gothic poem written by Matthew Lewis in 1796 who wrote about worms and decomposition. Much like other nursery rhymes, this gruesome option uses a fun melody to create a song which helps to take the emphasis off the deeper meaning of the rhyme.

During World War I, The Hearse Song was sung by both British and American soldiers but there are suggestions that soldiers in the Crimean War in the 19th century also sang the same song as they moved their casualties and forged ahead to try and win each battle.

The Worms Crawl In The Worms Crawl Out (The Hearse Song) Lyrics

… Don’t ever laugh as a Hearse goes by
For you may be the next to die
They wrap you up in a big white sheet
From your head down to your feet
… They put you in a big black box
And cover you up with dirt and rocks
And all goes well for about a week
And then your coffin begins to leak
… And the worms crawl in, the worms crawl out
The worms play pinochle on your snout
They eat your eyes, they eat your noes
They eat the jelly between your toes
… A big green worm with rolling eyes
Crawls in your stomach and out your eyes
Your stomach turns a slimy green
And puss comes out like whipping cream
… You spread it on a slice of bread
And that’s what you eat when your dead
And the worms crawl out and the worms crawl in
The worms that crawl in are lean and thin
… The ones that crawl out are fat and stout
Your eyes fall in and your hair falls out
Your brain comes tumbling down your snout
… And the worms crawl in, the worms crawl out
They crawl all over your dirty snout
Your chest caves in and your eyes pop out
And your brain turns to sauerkraut
… They invite their friends, and their friends too
They all come down to chew on you
And this is what it is to die
I hope you had a nice goodbye
… Did you ever think as a Hearse goes by
That you may be the next to die
And your eyes fall out and your teeth decay
And that is the end of a perfect… day

The lyrics are credited to Florenz Friedrich Sigismund but the tune used for the modern version of this song was put together by Friedrich-Wilhelm Möller following the Second World War. The classic sound of the melody means that it’s often assumed to be a traditional folk-style song, but that’s not the case. 

Friedrich-Willhelm Möller’s sister, Edith, adapted the original lyrics for a children’s choir. It was later adapted again by Antonia Ridge and this is the version sung today. 

As it is a cheerful tune, many scouts and guiding groups use it to sing around their campfires or when they are out on a hike, extolling the virtues of a life that involves enjoying the beauty of nature and recognizing the simplicity of being outdoors.

The Happy Wanderer Lyrics

I love to go a-wandering,
Along the mountain track,
And as I go, I love to sing,
My knapsack on my back.

(chorus)
Val-deri,Val-dera,
Val-deri,
Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
Val-deri,Val-dera.
My knapsack on my back.
I love to wander by the stream
That dances in the sun,
So joyously it calls to me,
“Come! Join my happy song!”
I wave my hat to all I meet,
And they wave back to me,
And blackbirds call so loud and sweet
From ev’ry green wood tree.
High overhead, the skylarks wing,
They never rest at home
But just like me, they love to sing,
As o’er the world we roam.
Oh, may I go a-wandering
Until the day I die!
Oh, may I always laugh and sing,
Beneath God’s clear blue sky!

The song was initially used to indicate the end of the day or to prompt lights out. In more contemporary times it was often played at Scouts camps so the boys knew they had to go to sleep. The alternate name of Taps comes from the Dutch “doe den tap toe” which translates as “turn off the taps”. This refers to the drinking taps being switched off, and soldiers heading to bed. 

The melody can be traced back to the early 19th century but it was adopted by the military in 1862 and is now played regularly to show respect to fallen heroes who have given their lives while defending the freedom and faith of their home country.

Day is Done Gone the Sun Lyrics

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
‘Neath the sun, ‘neath the stars, neath the sky;
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,
Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,
And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.

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.

Over the years, there have been some musicians and producers who have since tried to spice the music up to create different renditions of the song but the tune and the lyrics are the same most of the time.

As with other songs from that time such as Miss Mary Mack, Oh, Playmate is also popular as a clapping game is also often paired with the song where the children could touch their hands back and forth with their partners while they sang the lyrics of the song. Towards the end, one child tells the other they cannot join them to play for one reason or another. However, they remind them that they will remain friends, even though they cannot come out to play immediately.

Playmate, Come Out And Play With Me

Hey, hey, oh playmate,
Come out and play with me
And bring your dollies three
Climb up my apple tree

Slide down my rain barrel
Into my cellar door
And we’ll be jolly friends
Forever more, more, more.

So sorry, playmate
I cannot play with you
My dolly’s got the flu
Boo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo

Ain’t got no rain barrel
Ain’t got no cellar door
But we’ll be jolly friends
Forever more, more, more.

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.

However, Mrs Leary and the cow weren’t fictional characters. The cow, Daisy, was blamed for causing the Great Chicago Fire that left a third of the city homeless and killed 300 people in 1871. 

The media at the time described Mrs Leary as drunk and blamed her cow for kicking over a lantern. One of the reporters responsible for printing the story admitted decades later that they made up the story about the cow to sell more papers. 

Daisy the cow is immortalized in Chicago history, and is recreated in parades and local events – despite the fact she is now known to be an innocent scapegoat!

Old Mother Leary Lyrics

Late one night
When we were all in bed
Old Mother Leary
Left a lantern in the shed

And when the cow kicked it over,
She winked her eye and said,
“There’ll be a hot time
In the old town, tonight.”

And the following extended version is mainly popular in Chicago

5 nights ago,
when we were all in bed
Old Mrs. Leary left the lantern in the shed
and when the cow kicked it over,
she winked her eye and said
it’ll be a hot time, in the old town, tonight!
FIRE FIRE FIRE!

4 nights ago,
when we were all in bed
Old Mrs. Leary left the lantern in the shed
and when the cow kicked it over,
she winked her eye and said
it’ll be a hot time, in the old town, tonight!
FIRE FIRE FIRE!

3 nights ago,
when we were all in bed
Old Mrs. Leary left the lantern in the shed
and when the cow kicked it over,
she winked her eye and said
it’ll be a hot time, in the old town, tonight!
FIRE FIRE FIRE!

2 nights ago,
when we were all in bed
Old Mrs. Leary left the lantern in the shed
and when the cow kicked it over,
she winked her eye and said
it’ll be a hot time, in the old town, tonight!
FIRE FIRE FIRE

1 night ago,
when we were all in bed
Old Mrs. Leary left the lantern in the shed
and when the cow kicked it over,
she winked her eye and said
it’ll be a hot time, in the old town, tonight!
FIRE FIRE FIRE!

The song’s origins are unknown although the oldest versions of the song were found during the 1930’s in the United States. There are many variations of the lyrics, below you will find the most popular.

“Found a Peanut” Lyrics

Found a peanut, found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now,
Just now I found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now.

Cracked it open, cracked it open,
Cracked it open just now,
Just now I cracked it open,
Cracked it open just now.

It was rotten, it was rotten,
It was rotten just now,
Just now it was rotten,
It was rotten just now.

Ate it anyway, ate it anyway,
Ate it anyway just now,
Just now I ate it anyway,
Ate it anyway just now.

Got a stomach ache, got a stomach ache,
Got a stomach ache just now,
Just now I got a stomach ache,
Got a stomach ache just now.

Called the doctor, called the doctor,
Called the doctor just now,
Just now I called the doctor,
Called the doctor just now.

Penicillin, Penicillin,
Penicillin just now,
Just now I took Penicillin,
Penicillin just now.

Operation, operation,
Operation just now,
Just now an operation,
An operation just now.

Died anyway, died anyway,
Died anyway just now,
Just now I died anyway,
Died anyway just now.

Went to heaven, went to heaven,
Went to heaven just now,
Just now I went to heaven,
Went to heaven just now.

Wouldn’t take me, wouldn’t take me,
Wouldn’t take me just now,
Just now Heaven wouldn’t take me,
Wouldn’t take me just now.

Went the other way, went the other way,
Went the other way just now,
Just now I went the other way,
Went the other way just now.

Didn’t want me, didn’t want me,
Didn’t want me just now,
Just now they didn’t want me,
Didn’t want me just now.

Was a dream, was a dream,
Was a dream just now,
Just now it was a dream,
Was a dream, just now.

Then I woke up, then I woke up,
Then I woke up just now,
Just now I woke up,
I woke up just now.

Found a peanut, found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now,
Just now I found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now.

“Found a Peanut” Alternative lyrics

The words of the song can be changed easily and there are many variations circulating. Sometimes “it was rotten” is changed with “it was mouldy”, and “ate it anyway” is changed by “still ate it” but most of these variations do not change the meaning of the lyrics.

Some prefer to sing a longer version of Found a Peanut in which they substitute “Operation” by “Cut me open” then add a few more verses like “Took the peanut out”, “Sewed me up again”, “Left the scissors in”, “Cut me open again”, “Took some medicine”.

There is a different version of Baby BumbleBee more popular in Australia. There is a mimic action associated with lyrics of each version.

Baby BumbleBee Lyrics

I’m bringing home a baby bumblebee,
Won’t my mommy be so proud of me,
I’m bringing home a baby bumblebee,
Ouch! He stung me!

I’m squishing up a baby bumblebee,
Won’t my mommy be so proud of me,
I’m squishing up a baby bumblebee,
Eww! He’s gooey!

I’m lickin’ up a baby bumble bee
Won’t my Mommy be so proud of me
I’m lickin’ up my baby bumble bee
Mmm! He’s yummy!

Baby BumbleBee Game

On the first line hold your hand together like keeping something small, and open up your hand as you say “Ouch!”.
On the verse “I’m squishing up a baby bumblebee” mimic rubbings your hands as squishing something, then when saying “Eww!” mimic a disgusted face by sticking out your tongue.
Pretend your licking you hands on “I’m lickin’ up a baby bumble bee” and on the last line rub your tommy saying “Mmm! He’s yummy!”

Baby BumbleBee Australian Version

I’ve got myself a baby bumblebee,
Won’t my mummy be so proud of me?
I’ve got myself a baby bumblebee,
Ouch! He stung me!

I’m squashing up my baby bumblebee,
Won’t my mummy be so proud of me?
I’m squashing up my baby bumblebee,
Oh no, it’s all over my hands!

I’m lickin’ up my baby bumble bee
Won’t my mummy be so proud of me?
I’m lickin’ up my baby bumble bee
Oh no, I feel sick…

I’m throwing up my baby bumble bee,
Won’t my mummy be so proud of me?
I’m throwing up my baby bumble bee,
Oh no, it’s all over the floor!*

I’m mopping up my baby bumble bee,
Won’t my mummy be so proud of me?
I’m mopping up my baby bumble bee,
Oh look! A butterfly!

Baby BumbleBee Game for Australian Version

On the first verse mimic holding something small in your hands
On the second verse rub your hands together like squashing something
On the third verse mimic licking your hands.
On the fourth verse mimic throwing up.
And, on the fifth verse pretend to mop the floor.

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.

The most notorious recording of “Las Mañanitas” is from a scene of the Mexican drama Nosotros los Pobres, in which Pedro Infante sings it to Cachita.

Las Mañanitas Lyrics

What Child Is This Lyrics

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping,
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary!

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word Made Flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come, peasant, king, to own Him!
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him!
Raise, raise the song on high!
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy! joy! for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary!

The English version of the song, “O Holy Night”, belongs to the well known American classical music critic John Sullivan Dwight, in 1855.

O Holy Night Lyrics

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

   Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
   O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
   O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from the Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.

   He knows our need, to our weaknesses no stranger,
   Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
   Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

   Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
   His power and glory evermore proclaim.
   His power and glory evermore proclaim.

The original version of the song, written by Charles Wesley and entitled “Hymn for Christmas-Day” had the opening lyrics: “Hark! how all the welkin rings / Glory to the King of Kings”.

The lyrics were subject to different changes over time, the version sung today is the one published in Carols for Choirs in 1961.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Lyrics

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King,
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as Man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

The lyrics, written by theologian and hymn writer Isaac Watts in 1719, were inspired by some Bible verses, namely the Psalm 98, Psalm 96:11–12 and Genesis 3:17–18.

The tune in use today is a musical composition by Lowell Mason from 1848.

“Joy to the World” Lyrics

Joy to the World; the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields & floods, rocks, hills & plains
Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love.

It was only later set up as a song and it had different melodic lines over time. The modern version sang today is a 1909 arrangement by Frederic Austin.

“12 Days of Christmas” is a cumulative song, each verse corresponding to a present offered for 12 days consecutively, starting with first day of Christmas Day, in which Each gift is added to the previous one.

12 Days of Christmas Meaning

The Twelvetide or the Twelve Days of Christmas is a Christian festivity celebrating the birth of baby Jesus, and Twelfth Night refers to evening of January 5th. Traditionally the Twelfth Day is the last day of Christmas season.

12 Days of Christmas Lyrics

On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtledoves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree!

The song is an echo song, meaning that the main singer sings each verse that is later repeated by the rest of the group one by one. At the end of the verse, the leader will sing the whole verse alone, uninterrupted.

“The Other Day I Met a Bear” Lyrics

The other day
I met a bear
A great big bear
A way out there.

He looked at me
I looked at him
He sized up me
I sized up him.

He said to me
Why don’t you run
I see you don’t
Have any gun.

And so I ran
Away from there
And right behind
Me was that bear.

Ahead of me
I saw a tree
A great, big tree
Oh, golly gee!

The lowest branch
Was ten feet up
I’d had to jump
And trust my luck!

And so I jumped
Into the air
And missed that branch
A way up there.

Now don’t you fret
And don’t you frown
I caught that branch
On the way back down.

That’s all there is
There is no more
Until I meet
That bear once more.

The end, the end,
The end, the end,
The end, the end,
The end, the end.

Alternate lyrics

Sometimes the last stanza is replaced with this

And so I met
That bear once more,
Now he’s a rug
On my bedroom floor.

It was first published in 1862 along the original Welsh version of the song. Today, Deck the Halls is one of the most popular Christmas carols and is often known as ‘Tis the season.

“Deck the Halls” Lyrics

Deck the hall with boughs of holly,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
‘Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Fill the meadcup, drain the barrel,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Troul the ancient Christmas carol,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!

See the flowing bowl before us,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Follow me in merry measure,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
While I sing of beauty’s treasure,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!

Fast away the old year passes,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses!
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Laughing, quaffing all together,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!

Since its first publication in 1899, Betty Botter has suffered many alterations and currently different versions of this tongue twister coexist. The most popular version is found below.

“Betty Botter” Lyrics

Betty Botter bought some butter
But she said the butter’s bitter,
“If I put it in my batter
It will make my batter bitter,
But a bit of better butter
Will make my batter better.”

So she bought some better butter
Better than the bitter butter,
And she put it in her batter
And her batter was not bitter,
So ’twas better Betty Botter
Bought a bit of better butter

“”Betty Botter” Original lyrics

Betty Botter bought a bit of butter;
“But,” she said, “this butter’s bitter!
If I put it in my batter
It will make my batter bitter.
But a bit o’ better butter
Will make my batter better.”

Then she bought a bit o’ butter
Better than the bitter butter,
Made her bitter batter better.
So ’twas better Betty Botter
Bought a bit o’ better butter.

“Betty Botter” Version

Another popular yet short version can be found below

Betty Botter bought a bit of butter
but the bit of butter was bitter
so Betty Botter bought a bit of better butter
to make the bit of bitter butter better.

“Kookaburra Song” Lyrics

Kookaburra* sits in the old gum tree**,
Merry, merry king of the bush is he,
Laugh Kookaburra, laugh Kookaburra
Gay your life must be.

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,
Eating all the gumdrops he can see,
Stop Kookaburra, stop Kookaburra,
Leave some there for me.

It has a short version to which several lyrics have been added over time and it is at all times open for improvisations.

“Down by the Bay” Lyrics

Short version

Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:

“Down by the Bay” Long Version

Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a goose,
Kissing a moose?
Down by the bay!

Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a llama,
Eating his pajamas?
Down by the bay!

Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a bear,
Combing his hair?
Down by the bay!

Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a whale,
With a polka dot tail?
Down by the bay!

Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a fly,
Wearing a tie?
Down by the bay!

Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a bee,
With a sunburned knee?
Down by the bay!

Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever see a pig,
Wearing a wig?
Down by the bay!

Down by the bay,
Where the watermelons grow,
Back to my home,
I dare not go,
For if I do,
My mother will say:
Did you ever have a time,
When you couldn’t make a rhyme?
Down by the bay!

Skip to My Loo Singing Game

How to play

The game associated with this dance is a classic partner-stealing game. Everyone who plays (should be an odd number) must form couples and then the couples form a circle, or a square dance. The person who remains unaccompanied goes in the middle.

While singing or listening to the song the couples will skip hand in hand around in a ring. After the verse “Lost my partner, what’ll I do?” the middle person will choose a partner from the existing couples, when they have their hands free, saying “I’ll get another one just like you” or “better than you”. If they cannot catch one they will try for another round. The person left without a partner will continue the game in the same manner. If you like funny rhymes Hey, Diddle Diddle is another popular and silly one to try.

“Skip to My Lou” Lyrics

Chorus
Skip, skip, skip to my Lou,
Skip, skip, skip to my Lou,
Skip, skip, skip to my Lou,
Skip to my Lou, my darling.

Lost my partner, what’ll I do?
Lost my partner, what’ll I do?
Lost my partner, what’ll I do?
Skip to my Lou, my darling.
Chorus

I’ll get another one, prettier than you,
I’ll get another one, prettier than you,
I’ll get another one, prettier than you,
Skip to my Lou, my darling
Chorus

Little red wagon painted blue,
Little red wagon painted blue,
Little red wagon painted blue,
Skip to my Lou, my darling.
Chorus

Can’t get a red bird, jay bird’ll do,
Can’t get a red bird, jay bird’ll do,
Can’t get a red bird, jay bird’ll do,
Skip to my Lou, my darling.
Chorus

Fly’s in the buttermilk, shoo, fly, shoo,
Fly’s in the buttermilk, shoo, fly, shoo,
Fly’s in the buttermilk, shoo, fly, shoo,
Skip to my Lou, my darling.
Chorus

Fly’s in the sugar bowl, shoo, shoo, shoo,
Fly’s in the sugar bowl, shoo, shoo, shoo,
Fly’s in the sugar bowl, shoo, shoo, shoo,
Skip to my Lou, my darling.
Chorus

Cow’s in the barnyard, moo, moo, moo,
Cow’s in the barnyard, moo, moo, moo,
Cow’s in the barnyard, moo, moo, moo,
Skip to my Lou, my darling.
Chorus

Cat’s in the cream jar, ooh, ooh, ooh,
Cat’s in the cream jar, ooh, ooh, ooh,
Cat’s in the cream jar, ooh, ooh, ooh,
Skip to my Lou, my darling.
Chorus

Off to Texas, two by two,
Off to Texas, two by two,
Off to Texas, two by two,
Skip to my Lou, my darling.
Chorus

The lyrics, which belong to the well-known writer Lydia Maria Child, represent her own childhood memories, going to visit her grandfather’s house on Thanksgiving Day. In many cases today we sing “to grandmother’s house we go” but the original version refers to the grandfather.

The poem was first published in the volume Child’s Flowers for Children in 1844.

“Over the River and Through the Woods” Lyrics

Thanksgiving Song

Over the river and through the woods,
To grandfather’s* house we go;
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh,
Thru the white and drifted snow, oh!

Over the river and thru the woods,
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and thru the wood,
To have a first-rate play;
Oh, hear the bell ring, “Ting-a-ling-ling!”
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day-ay!

Over the river and thru the woods,
Trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting hound,
For this is Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river and through the woods,
And straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go extremely slow,
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the woods,
Now Grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

“The New-England Boy’s Song about Thanksgiving Day”

by Lydia Maria Child

Over the river, and through the wood,
To grandfather’s house we go!
The horse knows the way,
To carry the sleigh,
Through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To Grandfather’s* house away!
We would not stop for doll or top,
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood,
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes,
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,
With a clear blue winter sky,
The dogs do bark,
And children hark,
As we go jingling by.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring, “Ting-a-ling-ling!”
Hurray for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood,
No matter for winds that blow,
Or if we get
The sleigh upset,
Into a bank of snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To see little John and Ann.
We will kiss them all,
And play snow-ball,
And stay as long as we can.

Over the river, and through the wood,
Trot fast, my dapple grey!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound!
For this is Thanksgiving day!

Over the river, and through the wood,
And straight through the barn-yard gate,
We seem to go
Extremely slow,
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the wood,
Old Jowler hears our bells,
He shakes his pow,
With a loud bow-wow,
And thus the news he tells.

Over the river, and through the wood,
When Grandmother sees us come,
She will say, “Oh, dear,
The children are here,
bring a pie for every one.”

Over the river, and through the wood,
Now grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

Related Thanksgiving Songs

What is the meaning of La cucaracha?

La cucaracha means the cockroach and it’s about the bug who cannot walk because has missing legs. Although sometimes it’s a humorous song, La cucaracha is also a metaphor for lack and helplessness.

There is no final version of the song and it is often improvised. Here is the traditional Spanish versions of the song with English translation.

“La Cucaracha” Canción tradicional

Spanish version

(Coro)
La cucaracha, la cucaracha,
ya no puede caminar
porque no tiene,
porque le falta
las dos patitas de atrás.

Dicen que la cucaracha
Es un animal pequeño
Y cuando entra en una casa
Se tiene que quedar dueño.

(Coro)

Cuando uno quiere a una
Y esta una no lo quiere,
Es lo mismo que si un calvo
En la calle encuentra un peine

(Coro)

Mi vecina de ahí enfrente
Se llamaba Doña Clara,
Y si no se hubiera muerto
Aún así se llamara.

(Coro)

Cuando Rita se bañaba
En el río San Fernando
Le picó la cucaracha
Pero ella siguió nadando.

“La Cucaracha” Traditional Song

English lyrics

(Chorus)
The cockroach, the cockroach,
Can’t walk anymore
Because it doesn’t have,
Because it’s missing
Two little back legs.

People they say the cockroach
Is a very small animal
And when it gets into a house,
It’ll soon be the master of it all.

(Chorus)

When a boy loves a girl
And she doesn’t love him back
It’s the same as if a bald man
Finds a comb on the railroad track*.

(Chorus)

My neighbor across the street
Had Lady Claire as her name
And if she hadn’t died
She still would be called the same.

(Chorus)

When Rita was bathing
In the San Fernando River
The cockroach stung her
But she kept on swimming.

(Chorus)

A similar version to the current one appeared in 1850 in “Harry’s Ladder to Learning”.

“Handy Spandy Jack-a-Dandy”Lyrics

Handy spandy Jack-a-dandy
Loves plum cake and sugar candy,
He bought some at the grocers shop
And out he came, hop, hop, hop.

Often times the rhyme is accompanied by certain actions kids do. For example, during “hop, hop, hop” they will jump, and during “stop, stop, stop” they will freeze.

“Once I Saw a Little Bird” Lyrics

Once I saw a little bird
Come hop, hop, hop;
So I cried, “Little bird,
Will you stop, stop, stop?”

And was going to the window
To say, “How do you do?”
But he shook his little tail,
And far away he flew.

There is also a simple game associated with the song, the instructions are described below:

Game Instructions

Chiildren stand in a row holding hands. A child who is the leader sits in front of them. Another pair of children hold their hands lifted up in the air to form an arch. The leader will walk under the arch followed by all the other children, all while singing the song. The last child from the group will be captured by the two children forming an arch.

The process is repeated, the song is sung again until all the children are captured by the two forming the arch.

“Draw a Pail of Water” Lyrics

Draw a pail of water,
For my lady’s daughter;
My father’s a king, and my mother’s a queen,
My two little sisters are dressed in green,
Stamping grass and parsley,
Marigold leaves and daisies.
One rush! two rush!
Pray thee, fine lady, come under my bush.

Draw a Bucket of Water Lyrics
Draw a bucket of water
For my lady’s daughter.
One in a rush and
Two in a rush
And the first old lady pops under.

Draw a bucket of water
For my lady’s daughter.
One in a rush and
Two in a rush
And the second old lady pops under.

Draw a bucket of water
For my lady’s daughter.
One in a rush and
Two in a rush
And the third old lady pops under.

Draw a bucket of water
For my lady’s daughter.
One in a rush and
Two in a rush
And the fourth old lady pops under.

Draw a bucket of water
For my lady’s daughter.
One in a rush and
Two in a rush
And we all pop out!

“Here I am, Little Jumping Joan”Lyrics

Here am I, little jumping Joan;
When nobody’s with me,
I’m always alone.

“Come Let’s To Bed” Lyrics

Original Version

The first version of the song had four lines:

Come, let’s go to bed, says sleepy-head,
Let’s stay awhile, says slow,
Put on the pot, says greedy-gut,
We’ll sup before we go.

Alternative Version

“To bed! To bed!”
Says Sleepy-head;
“Tarry awhile,” says Slow;
“Put on the pan,”
Says Greedy Nan*;
“We’ll sup before we go.”

The meaning of this poem are shrouded in mystery. There are more theories advanced about the origin of the story and who the “Robin” was.

The most obvious theory about the identity of “Robin” is that it refers to the bird. This theory is substantiated by the fact that in Glouchestershire there is a stained glass depicting a robin killed by an arrow dating back to the 15th century.

Another theory is that Robin is in fact Robert Walpole whose government was toppled two years prior to the first publication of the rhyme in 1742.

One unsubstantiated theory is that “Robin” refers to Robin Hood. It is a popular theory in modern culture but there is nothing to back it up.

“Who Killed Cock Robi” Lyrics

Who killed Cock Robin?
I, said the Sparrow,
with my bow and arrow,
I killed Cock Robin.

Who saw him die?
I, said the Fly,
with my little eye,
I saw him die.

Who caught his blood?
I, said the Fish,
with my little dish,
I caught his blood.

Who’ll make the shroud?
I, said the Beetle,
with my thread and needle,
I’ll make the shroud.

Who’ll dig his grave?
I, said the Owl,
with my little trowel,
I’ll dig his grave.

Who’ll be the parson?
I, said the Rook,
with my little book,
I’ll be the parson.

Who’ll be the clerk?
I, said the Lark,
if it’s not in the dark,
I’ll be the clerk.

Who’ll carry the link?
I, said the Linnet,
I’ll fetch it in a minute,
I’ll carry the link.

Who’ll be chief mourner?
I, said the Dove,
I mourn for my love,
I’ll be chief mourner.

Who’ll carry the coffin?
I, said the Kite,
if it’s not through the night,
I’ll carry the coffin.

Who’ll bear the pall?
We, said the Wren,
both the cock and the hen,
We’ll bear the pall.

Who’ll sing a psalm?
I, said the Thrush,
as she sat on a bush,
I’ll sing a psalm.

Who’ll toll the bell?
I, said the Bull,
because I can pull,
I’ll toll the bell.

All the birds of the air
fell a-sighing and a-sobbing,
when they heard the bell toll
for poor Cock Robin.

The nursery rhyme refers to the villagers in Gotham in south Nottinghamshire who outsmarted King John, avoiding a royal visit by pretending to be insane engaging in absurd tasks whenever royal messengers passed through the village. A royal visit would have meant that a public highway had to be built for the king, something the locals wanted to avoid at all costs.

It is worth to be noted that the Gotham City from the popular comic Batman is called Gotham because of this legend, implying that the city was full of fools.

“Three Wise Men of Gotham” Lyrics

Three wise men of Gotham
Went to sea in a bowl;
And if the bowl had been stronger
My song would have been longer.

It became popular again in the 1970s when a modern version of the song was used as the theme song for the BBC serial “When The Boat Comes In”, so much that nowadays most people know the modern lyrics of the song.

Below you can find both lyrics sets, first the modern version and then the old version published in 1849. Usually only the first two stanzas are sung.

Dance to Your Daddy Lyrics

Modern lyrics

Dance to your Daddy, my little laddie
Dance to your Daddy my little man
Dance to your Daddy sing to your mommy
Dance to your Daddy my little man

You shall have a fishy on a little dishy
You shall have a fishy when the boat comes in
You shall have a herring on a little dishy
You shall have a herring when the boat comes in

Come here me little Jacky
Now aw’ve smoked mi backy
Have a bit o’ cracky
Till the boat comes in

Dance to your Daddy sing to your mammy
Dance to your Daddy my little man
You shall have a fishy on a little dishy
You shall have a fishy when the boat comes in
You shall have a mackerel on a little dishy
You shall have a mackerel when the boat comes in

Dance to your Daddy my little laddie
Dance to your Daddy my little man
Dance to your Daddy sing to your mommy
Dance to your Daddy my little man

You shall have a fishy on a little dishy
You shall have a fishy when the boat comes in
You shall have a herring on a little dishy
You shall have a herring when the boat comes in

Traditional Lyrics

Come here, my little Jacky
Now I’ve smoked my backey
Let’s have a bit crackey
Till the boat comes in

Chorus:
Dance to thy daddy, sing to thy mammy,
Dance to thy daddy, to thy mammy sing;
Thou shalt have a fishy on a little dishy,
Thou shalt have a fishy when the boat comes in.

Here’s thy mother humming,
Like a canny woman;
Yonder comes thy father,
Drunk – he cannot stand.
Chorus

Our Tommy’s always fuddling,
He’s so fond of ale,
But he’s kind to me,
I hope he’ll never fail.
Chorus

I like a drop mysel’,
When I can get it sly,
And thou, my bonny bairn,
Will lik’t as well as I.
Chorus

May we get a drop,
Oft as we stand in need;
And weel may the keel row
That brings the bairns their bread.
Chorus

The “mother goose” often refers to a witch but in this song’s case, the goose might refer to the animal, as the goose offers her feathers just like in “Baa Baa Black Sheep“, another popular rhyme about animals.

“Cackle, Cackle, Mother Goose” Lyrics

Cackle, cackle, Mother Goose,
Have you any feathers loose?
Truly have I, pretty fellow,
Half enough to fill a pillow.
Here are quills, take one or two,
And down to make a bed for you.

Ray Charles performed a single based on the song in 1955 called “This Little Girl of Mine”.

The song gained more popularity in the 1950s when it was performed by musician and activist Zilphia Horton and turned into one of the most well-known and beloved Civil Rights Movement protest anthems.

“This Little Light of Mine” Lyrics

This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine

This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine

All around the neighborhood
I’m going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I’m going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood

I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine

Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.

Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine

“Eeper Weeper”Lyrics

Eeper Weeper, chimney sweeper,
Had a wife but couldn’t keep her.
Had another, didn’t love her,
Up the chimney he did shove her.

“How Many Days Has My Baby to Play?”Lyrics

How many days has my baby to play?
Saturday, Sunday, Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
Saturday, Sunday, Monday.

Another different version of Little Robin Redbreast appeared in the 1833 version of “The Only True Mother Goose Melodies”.

Original Version

The first published version was shorter:

Little Robin Red breast,
Sitting on a pole,
Nidde, Noddle, Went his head.
And poop went his Hole.

Today a slightly different version of the original song is used as a fingerplay.

“Little Robin Redbreast “Fingerplay

The rhyme has been used as a fingerplay for a very long time, the first instructions were published in a book from 1920 called “Boys and Girls Bookshelf; a Practical Plan of Character Building:
Little Robin Redbreast
Sat upon a rail,
(Right hand extended in shape of a bird is poised on extended forefinger of left hand.)
Niddle noddle went his head,
And waggle went his tail.
(Little finger of right hand waggles from side to side.)

“Little Robin Redbreast “Lyrics

Little Robin Redbreast sat upon a tree,
Up went pussycat and down went he,
Down came pussycat, away Robin ran,
Says little Robin Redbreast, “Catch me if you can.”

Little Robin Redbreast jumped upon a wall,
Pussycat jumped after him, and almost had a fall.
Little Robin chirped and sang and what did pussy say?
Pussycat said “Meow”, and Robin flew away.