Hey Diddle Diddle Lyrics

Hey diddle diddle,
The cat and the fiddle,
The cow jumped over the moon,
The little dog laughed to see such sport,
And the dish ran away with the spoon.

The cat and the fiddle,
The cow jumped over the moon,
The little dog laughed
To see such sport,
And the dish ran away with the spoon.

Hey diddle diddle,
The cat and the fiddle,
The cow jumped over the moon.
The little dog laughed to see such fun,
And the dish ran away with the spoon.

Hey Diddle Diddle

This classic nursery rhyme takes me back to when I was a little whippersnapper. I still sing Hey Diddle Diddle to my daughters and get them giggling before bedtime. The lyrics don’t really make much sense, but that doesn’t matter. My kids just love the playful rhythm and daddy’s silly singing voice. It’s one of those timeless childhood songs that sticks with you for life.

Origins and Meaning of Hey Diddle Diddle

Now where did this crazy song come from anyhow? From what I can piece together, Hey Diddle Diddle first showed up sometime in the 1700s. No one knows who penned the original poem, but some folks think it may have been a funny little drinking ditty for adults before it took off as a nursery rhyme for young’uns. It’s anyone’s guess how that jump happened! But I’m sure glad it did, or I wouldn’t have such a hilarious song to sing for my kiddos at bedtime.

Some people believe the cow jumping over the moon could be about bringing a cow inside newlywed’s home for luck. And the dish and spoon may reference newly married life. But who can say for sure! That’s the fun of silly nursery rhymes – kids can let their imaginations run wild. As for me, picturing a cow in rocket boots just cracks me up!

Fun Facts

• In France, Hey Diddle Diddle is called “Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman”, which means “Ah! Shall I tell you, Mama?”
• There are many fun variations and parodies of the song, like “Hey Diddle Diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow flew to the moon. The little dog barked to see such fun, and the cat meowed all night.”
• The earliest printed version of the rhyme is in Mother Goose’s Melody, published in London around 1765.
• Though nonsensical, the poem may have been a political satire of sorts, with different figures representing leaders at the time. But we may never know for sure!

Conclusion

Whether Hey Diddle Diddle has some secret historical meaning or is just a jolly good time, it has stood the test of time as a classic nursery rhyme. For generations of parents and kids, it encapsulates the playful world of childhood and stretches the imagination. These silly songs create special bonding moments and memories that last a lifetime.

What are your favorite memories around Hey Diddle Diddle or other nursery rhymes? Share your stories below so we can giggle together. And don’t forget to check out my other favorite kiddie songs here for more fun!

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.