Full Lyrics of The Hokey Pokey

You put your right foot in
You put your right foot out
You put your right foot in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about

You put your left foot in
You put your left foot out
You put your left foot in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about

You put your right hand in
You put your right hand out
You put your right hand in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about

You put your left hand in
You put your left hand out
You put your left hand in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about

You put your whole self in
You put your whole self out
You put your whole self in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about

The Hokey Pokey

Well howdy partners! As a proud papa of four, I know a thing or two about timeless children’s songs. And they don’t get much more classic than “The Hokey Pokey“! This lively call-and-response tune has been getting kids on their feet and engaged for generations. With its simple choreography and repetitive lyrics, it’s easy to learn and tons of interactive fun. So let this corny dad walk you through the hokey pokey and its hokey story!

Origins and Meaning

While its exact origins are unclear, “The Hokey Pokey” emerged as a popular dance song in the mid-20th century. Some say it developed from a Scottish country dance called “The Hokey Cokey” that took off after World War II. The similar “Hokey Pokey” took hold in the U.S. and Canada as a party novelty song to get people up and moving.

Over the years, various artists have recorded their own versions, adding to its popularity. But the basic tune and lyrics have stayed the same, inviting participants to put different body parts in and out. This call-response pattern gives everyone a chance to follow along as they wiggle, shake, and turn themselves around (then reverse it all to put parts back out).

Beyond just a fun actions song, some see deeper meaning in its choreography. Putting body parts “in” and “out” can represent commitment and reluctance, or how we sometimes don’t fully put ourselves into experiences. Turning yourself around signifies life changes and starts. So every time you hokey pokey, you symbolically let go of the old to embrace the new!

While lighthearted at its core, this song invites us to fully participate and immerse ourselves in the moment. By wholeheartedly doing the hokey pokey, we actively create joy. And isn’t that what life’s all about?

Fun Facts

• “The Hokey Pokey” entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1975, reaching #43.
• Countries worldwide have adapted it with localized lyrics, like “El Hokey Pokey” in Latin America.
• Speculations about its origin range from Celtic folk dances to ice cream vendors’ cries.
• It’s been referenced in movies from Wayne’s World to Napoleon Dynamite.
• Amateur hockey teams nicknamed the Hokey Pokey compete across North America.
• Scouts, camps, and schools everywhere have their own customary lyrics.
• Ray Anthony’s big band jazz rendition landed on a Dr. Demento novelty album.

Conclusion

Singing and dancing along to “The Hokey Pokey” creates priceless memories between parents and children that last a lifetime. I still remember twirling my giggling daughters as we hokey-pokeyed together. Now watching my little guy put his whole self in (and shake it all about) fills my dad heart with joy.

These simple, repetitive kids’ songs teach social patterns, motor skills, language, and more. So keep the hokey pokey going and share this classic with a new generation. Teach your children the moves so they can lead others. Upload videos of your family doing this interactive dance and spread the fun. With some hokey pokey under their belts, kids develop confidence and public speaking skills.

Most importantly, fully participate and “turn yourself around” – make time for play, be present, and embrace the power of silly songs. Don’t be afraid to be goofy together. The hokey pokey may seem basic, but its message rings true: embracing life wholeheartedly is what it’s all about.

To get more classic early childhood songs to sing and dance to, check out my post on 50 Fun Kids’ Songs with Lyrics. And let me know your hokey pokey memories in the comments!

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.