“Mrs. Susie had a steamboat” is a classic children’s rhyme, deeply rooted in playyards and playgrounds. Widely recognized as a jump-rope song, it has also transitioned into a popular clapping game, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal across generations. This rhyme shares its melody with another well-loved jump rope song, “Miss Lucy had a baby,” often leading to playful confusion and blended versions among children.
The charm of “Mrs. Susie had a steamboat song” lies in its clever lyrical structure. Each verse sets up a slightly suggestive or mischievous scenario, only to playfully resolve it with an innocent and often humorous punchline in the following line. This structure has naturally encouraged countless improvisations and variations over the years, resulting in a rich tapestry of lyrical adaptations. The song thrives on playful innuendo and the anticipation of the unexpected, making it a favorite among children who enjoy its rhythm and lighthearted teasing.
“Mrs. Susie Had a Steamboat” Lyrics – Version 1
Miss Susie had a steamboat,
The steamboat had a bell,
Miss Susie went to heaven,
The steamboat went to…
Hello Operator,
Please dial Number 9,
And if you disconnect me,
I’ll kick you from…
Behind the ‘frigerator,
There lay a piece of glass,
Miss Susie sat upon it,
And cut her little…
Ask me no more questions,
Tell me no more lies,
The boys are in the bathroom,
Pulling down their…
Flies are in the backyard,
The bees are in the park,
Miss Susie and her boyfriend are kissing
In the dark, dark dark
“Miss Lucy Had a Steamboat” – Version 2
Miss Lucy had a steam boat,
The steam boat had a bell, (Toot! Toot!)
Miss Lucy went to heaven,
And the steam boat went to
Hello operator, give me #9 and,
If you disconnect me, I will chop off your
Behind the refrigerator, there was a piece of glass,
Miss Lucy sat upon it, and broke her big fat
Ask me no more questions, tell me no more lies
The boys are in the bathroom, pulling down their
Flies are in the country, bees are in their hives
Miss Lucy and her boy friend
Are kissing in the D-A-R-K (spell out)
D-A-R-K
D-A-R-K
Dark! Dark! Dark!
“Mary Had a Steamboat” – Version 3
Mary had a steamboat
The steamboat had a bell
Mary went to Heaven
And the steamboat went Toot Toot
These lyrical examples showcase the core structure of the “Mrs Susie Had A Steamboat Song” and its variations. Whether you know her as Miss Susie, Miss Lucy, or Mary, the playful rhythm and suggestive-yet-innocent nature of the rhyme continue to entertain and engage children in clapping games and jump rope sessions around the world.
