Full Lyrics of She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain

She’ll be comin’ round the mountain when she comes (when she comes)
She’ll be comin’ round the mountain when she comes (when she comes)
She’ll be comin’ round the mountain, she’ll be comin’ round the mountain
She’ll be comin’ round the mountain when she comes (when she comes)

She’ll be drivin’ six white horses when she comes (when she comes)
She’ll be drivin’ six white horses when she comes (when she comes)
She’ll be drivin’ six white horses, she’ll be drivin’ six white horses
She’ll be drivin’ six white horses when she comes (when she comes)

Oh we’ll all go out to meet her when she comes (when she comes)
Oh we’ll all go out to meet her when she comes (when she comes)
Oh we’ll all go out to meet her, we’ll all go out to meet her
Oh we’ll all go out to meet her when she comes (when she comes)

She’ll be wearin’ red pajamas when she comes (when she comes)
She’ll be wearin’ red pajamas when she comes (when she comes)
She’ll be wearin’ red pajamas, she’ll be wearin’ red pajamas
She’ll be wearin’ red pajamas when she comes (when she comes)

She’ll have to sleep with Grandma when she comes (when she comes)
She’ll have to sleep with Grandma when she comes (when she comes)
She’ll have to sleep with Grandma, she’ll have to sleep with Grandma
She’ll have to sleep with Grandma when she comes (when she comes)

Oh, we’ll kill the old red rooster when she comes (when she comes)
Oh, we’ll kill the old red rooster when she comes (when she comes)
Oh, we’ll kill the old red rooster, we’ll kill the old red rooster
Oh, we’ll kill the old red rooster when she comes (when she comes)

We’ll all have chicken and dumplings when she comes (when she comes)
We’ll all have chicken and dumplings when she comes (when she comes)
We’ll all have chicken and dumplings, we’ll all have chicken and dumplings
We’ll all have chicken and dumplings when she comes (when she comes)

Introduction

Well howdy partners! There are few songs that get kids as riled up and excited as the good ol’ knee slappin’ ditty “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain.” This classic folk song has been sung around campfires and in backyards for over a century, bringing joy to multiple generations. With its catchy melody and nonsensical lyrics, it’s no wonder why it continues to be one of the most beloved children’s songs today.

While the origins of “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain” are murky, its popularity and longevity are crystal clear. Children can’t resist chiming in on the repetitive chorus and adding their own hilarious verses. I’ve yet to meet a tiny tot who doesn’t crack a smile and start bopping along when they hear this familiar tune. As a fun and lively sing-a-long, it’s a staple at schools, camps, and any place kiddos gather to make music together.

In this post, we’ll dive deeper into the history and meaning behind the peculiar lyrics of “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain.” We’ll also uncover some amusing facts you may not have known about this quirky folk ditty. So join me on a musical journey through the hills and hollers as we explore why this song has been a children’s favorite for generations.

Origins and Meaning

The origins of “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain” are about as murky as the fog rolling through the Smoky Mountains. This folk song likely emerged in the American South during the mid-19th century. The first published references to the song date back to 1896, but historians believe it was being sung long before then.

The song appears to have African American roots and may have originated among railroad workers laying tracks through the Appalachian Mountains. The lyrics reference a steam locomotive circling the mountains and may have been inspired by the construction of new rail lines in the region. Back in the day, building railroads was hot, hot, hot!

The song tells the story of a train conductor excitedly awaiting a visitor’s arrival. But who is this mystery lady in red pajamas visiting grandma? Here’s one theory:

The train conductor is celebrating the arrival of the new steam engine, personifying it as a woman (“she”). The different verses describe people preparing to greet the train and all the ruckus it stirs up (“we’ll kill the old red rooster”). So the song may be about welcoming the loud, smoke-belching iron horse as it winds its way around the mountain railroads.

Over time, lyrics have evolved with new regionally inspired verses added. This accounts for the song’s somewhat nonsensical and disjointed medley of stanzas. But trying to parse the literal meaning misses the point. The joy of “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain” is its playful rhythm and repetition, perfect for getting rambunctious kids singing at the top of their lungs.

Fun Facts

• Much like a locomotive picking up steam, the song keeps building in tempo each time the chorus circles back around. This gives it infectious forward momentum.
• “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain” first appeared in print in 1896 in Carl Sandburg’s American Songbag. However, it was likely sung by railroad workers laying new track in the decades prior.
• The song was featured in the 1907 short film “The Teddy Bears” produced by Edwin S. Porter, bringing it wider attention.
• While there are many lyrical variations, a 1940 study documented 40 different published versions of the song. Kids still enjoy coming up with new verses.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder referenced the song in her books like Little House on the Prairie, but didn’t specifically mention it by name.

Why This Song Resonates

What accounts for the longevity of this higgledy-piggledy hodgepodge of a song? There are a few reasons it continues to enthrall kids after all this time.

First, it’s insanely catchy and easy to sing. The chorus repeats over and over, making it simple for even little singers to join in. And timing their “when she comes” perfectly with the verse endings makes kids feel like rock stars.

Second, the lyrics are delightfully nonsensical. Absurd imagery like a lady wearing red pajamas to visit grandma tickles kids’ funny bones. Making up new verses allows creativity to run wild.

Finally, there’s no hidden meaning or life lessons. It’s just plain fun to sing the repetitive words at increasing speeds. Kids experience the joy of making music together purely for music’s sake.

In our hurly burly world, it’s nice to have tradition we can pass down to the next generation. Teaching your kids this amusing ditty connects them to the past and forges priceless memories. So gather your family round the campfire or backyard and belt out this enduring song. Y’all will be glad you choo-choo-chose to!

Conclusion

“She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain” has been livening up children’s sing-alongs for over a hundred years thanks to its catchy melody, silly lyrics, and origination as an African American folk song. As a lighthearted oldie-but-goodie, it brings kids and grown-ups together through the unifying joy of music. So keep the legacy of this delightfully fun ditty alive by singing it with your family. Just be sure to give the old red rooster fair warning once you hear that train a-comin’!

What childhood songs hold special meaning for your family? Share your favorites and memories to keep these sing-along traditions alive for the next generation. For more on classics kids love, don’t miss my previous post on 50 Fun & Educational Children’s Songs.

Hey there! I'm Allen, but you can call me "The Corny Dad" from Canada. I have a wife and four kiddos. Yep, one's full grown, but they'll always be my babies. When I'm not doing something with my family or playing video games, I'm here, jotting down my bits of wisdom on this blog. From the fun stuff to the parenting chaos, I cover it all. Believe me, with the right attitude, parenting's a smoother ride and I'm here to help.