“Yankee Doodle” is a song deeply embedded in American culture, instantly recognizable and often associated with patriotism and childhood. While seemingly simple, the lyrics of “Yankee Doodle” have a rich history and exist in various forms. This article delves into the lyrics of both a popular children’s version and the more extensive full version of “Yankee Doodle”, providing a comprehensive look at this enduring American classic.
The Kid-Friendly Yankee Doodle Lyrics
Many generations have grown up singing a simplified version of “Yankee Doodle,” perfect for children due to its brevity and catchy chorus. This version captures the playful spirit of the song in just a few verses.
Yankee Doodle went to town
A-riding on a pony
He stuck a feather in his hat
And called it macaroni
Chorus
Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy
Mind the music and the step
and with the girls be handy!
Father and I went down to camp
Along with Captain Gooding
And there we saw the men and boys
As thick as hasty pudding.
Chorus
And there was Captain Washington
And gentle folks about him
They say he’s grown so tarnal proud
He will not ride without them.
Chorus
This version focuses on simple imagery and the repetitive, memorable chorus, making it ideal for young singers and introducing them to this foundational American song.
Unpacking the Full Version of Yankee Doodle Lyrics
The complete lyrics of “Yankee Doodle” offer a more detailed and humorous narrative, painting a picture of early American life and the Revolutionary War era. While less common in everyday singing, the full version provides deeper insight into the song’s origins and satirical nature.
Yankee Doodle went to town
A-riding on a pony,
Stuck a feather in his cap
And called it macaroni’.
Chorus: Yankee Doodle keep it up,
Yankee Doodle dandy,
Mind the music and the step,
And with the girls be handy.
Fath’r and I went down to camp,
Along with Captain Gooding,
And there we saw the men and boys
As thick as hasty pudding.
Chorus
And there we saw a thousand men
As rich as Squire David,
And what they wasted every day,
I wish it could be saved.
Chorus
The ‘lasses they eat it every day,
Would keep a house a winter;
They have so much, that I’ll be bound,
They eat it when they’ve mind ter.
Chorus
And there I see a swamping gun
Large as a log of maple,
Upon a deuced little cart,
A load for father’s cattle.
Chorus
And every time they shoot it off,
It takes a horn of powder,
and makes a noise like father’s gun,
Only a nation louder.
Chorus
I went as nigh to one myself
As ‘Siah’s inderpinning;
And father went as nigh again,
I thought the deuce was in him.
Chorus
Cousin Simon grew so bold,
I thought he would have cocked it;
It scared me so I shrinked it off
And hung by father’s pocket.
Chorus
And Cap’n Davis had a gun,
He kind of clapt his hand on’t
And stuck a crooked stabbing iron
Upon the little end on’t
Chorus
And there I see a pumpkin shell
As big as mother’s bason,
And every time they touched it off
They scampered like the nation.
Chorus
I see a little barrel too,
The heads were made of leather;
They knocked on it with little clubs
And called the folks together.
Chorus
And there was Cap’n Washington,
And gentle folks about him;
They say he’s grown so ‘tarnal proud
He will not ride without em’.
Chorus
He got him on his meeting clothes,
Upon a slapping stallion;
He sat the world along in rows,
In hundreds and in millions.
Chorus
The flaming ribbons in his hat,
They looked so tearing fine, ah,
I wanted dreadfully to get
To give to my Jemima.
Chorus
I see another snarl of men
A digging graves they told me,
So ‘tarnal long, so ‘tarnal deep,
They ‘tended they should hold me.
Chorus
It scared me so, I hooked it off,
Nor stopped, as I remember,
Nor turned about till I got home,
Locked up in mother’s chamber.
Chorus
The Enduring Appeal of Yankee Doodle
Whether sung in its short, child-friendly form or the full, narrative version, “Yankee Doodle” remains a significant piece of American musical heritage. The lyrics, while seemingly nonsensical at times, offer a glimpse into the colonial era and the spirit of the American Revolution. Understanding both versions of the “Yankee Doodle lyrics” allows for a fuller appreciation of this iconic song and its place in American history and culture.
