Jump Rope Songs are a fantastic way to add rhythm, fun, and a bit of sing-song to the energetic activity of skipping rope. For generations, children have chanted rhymes while jumping rope, creating a playful soundtrack to their exercise. These songs aren’t just catchy tunes; they help jumpers maintain a steady rhythm, making it easier to keep skipping and even learn new jump rope skills. Whether you’re a beginner just learning the basics or a seasoned skipper trying out double dutch, incorporating songs can elevate your jump rope experience.
This collection features a wide variety of jump rope songs, from classic rhymes that have been passed down through playgrounds for decades to some newer chants that are just as engaging. These songs are perfect for solo jumpers, small groups, or even larger double dutch setups. So grab your rope, gather your friends, and get ready to jump into a world of rhythmic fun with these jump rope songs!
Classic Jump Rope Rhymes to Get You Started
These are the tried-and-true jump rope songs that many adults will remember from their own childhoods. They are simple, rhythmic, and easy to learn, making them perfect for introducing jump rope songs to new generations.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, show your shoe.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, that will do.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, go upstairs.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, say your prayers.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn out the light.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, say good night.
Cinderella Dressed in Yella
Cinderella dressed in yella,
Went downstairs to kiss a fella,
Made a mistake and kissed a snake.
How many doctors did it take?
1, 2, 3, …
Miss Mary Mack
Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack
All dressed in black, black, black
With silver buttons, buttons, buttons
All down her back, back, back.
She asked her mother, mother, mother,
For fifteen cents, cents, cents,
To see the elephant, elephant, elephant,
Jump the fence, fence, fence.
He jumped so high, high, high.
He reached the sky, sky, sky,
And he never came back, back, back
Till the Fourth of July, lie, lie.
Apples, Peaches, Pears and Plums
Apples, peaches, pears, and plums
Tell me when your birthday comes.
Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum
Bubble gum, bubble gum
Penny a packet,
First you chew it,
Then you crack it,
Then you stick it
In your jacket,
Then your parents
Kick up a racket.
Bubble gum, bubble gum,
Penny a packet.
Counting and Action Jump Rope Songs
Many jump rope songs incorporate counting or actions into the rhyme, adding another layer of fun and coordination to the activity. These are great for developing rhythm and listening skills.
Lemon Lime
Lemon Lime
On time
Singing 1, 2 (jumper hops out)
3, 4, (2nd jumper jumps just 2x & then hops out etc.)
5, 6,
Five Little Monkeys
Five little monkeys,
Jumping on the bed.
One fell off,
And bumped his head
Mama called the doctor,
And the doctor said:
“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”
Ladybug, Ladybug
Ladybug, Ladybug, turn around,
Ladybug, Ladybug touch the ground.
Ladybug, Ladybug shine your shoes,
Ladybug, Ladybug read the news.
Ladybug, ladybug, how old are you?
One, two, three, four . . . . .
Bluebells, Cockle Shells
Bluebells, cockle shells,
Eevie, ivy, over;
I like coffee, I like tea;
I like the boys, and the boys like me.
Tell your mother to hold her tongue;
She had a fellow when she was young.
Tell your father to do the same;
He had a girl and he changed her name.
Bluebells, cockle shells,
Eevie, ivy, over;
Mother went to market
To buy some meat;
Baby’s in the cradle
Fast asleep.
The old clock on the mantel says
One o’clock, two o’clock.. (to twelve o’clock)
Spanish Dancer, Do the Split
Spanish dancer, do the split.
Spanish dancer, give a kick.
Spanish dancer, turn around.
Spanish dancer, get out of town.
Funny and Story-Based Jump Rope Songs
Some jump rope songs tell little stories or are just plain silly, which adds to the entertainment value. These can spark imagination and giggles while you jump.
Birdie, Birdie in the Sky
Birdie, birdie in the sky,
Why’d ya do that in my eye?
Birdie, birdie in the sky,
Gee, I’m glad that cows don’t fly.
I Had a Little Puppy
I had a little puppy.
His name was Tiny Tim.
I put him in the bathtub,
To see if he could swim.
He drank up all the water.
He ate a bar of soap.
The next thing you know,
He had a bubble in his throat.
In came the doctor (person jumps in).
In came the nurse ( person jumps in).
In came the lady
With the alligator purse (person jumps in).
Out went the doctor (person jumps out).
Out went the nurse (person jumps out).
Out went the lady
With the alligator purse (person jumps out).
Had a Little Sportscar
Had a little sportscar 248
Took it round the coooooooooooorrr (jumper hops out of the turning rope, runs around the corner & jumps back in)
Ner & slammed it on the brakes (jump rope turners stop turning)
Bumped into a lady, bumped into a man
Bumped into a policeman, man oh man
Policeman caught me
Put me in jail
All I had was ginger ale
Red, hot, chili pepper (rope turners turn faster & faster until jumper misses a jump)
Anthy Maria Jumped in the Fire
Anthy Maria jumped in the fire.
The fire too hot, she jumped in the pot.
The pot was too black, she jumped in a crack.
The pot was soon over, she jumped in some clover.
Clover’s too sweet; she kicked up her feet.
Feet was soon over, she cried 1, 2, 3,
Jumped in a tree.
The tree was so high she couldn’t go higher.
‘Long came a breeze, blew her away.
Down in the Alley
Down in the alley where the garbage grows,
A flea jumped on an elephant’s toes,
The elephant cried with tears in his eyes,
Why don’t you pick on someone your size?
Double Dutch Jump Rope Songs for Group Fun
Double Dutch jump rope takes coordination and teamwork to a new level. Certain songs are particularly well-suited for the rhythm and timing of double dutch, often involving calling out jumpers to enter or exit the ropes.
Calling in, Calling out
Calling in, calling out,
_____ runs in when I run out!
Apartment for Rent
Apartment for rent, inquire within,
When moves out, let in.
All in Together Girls
All in together, girls.
How do you like the weather, girls?
January, February, March, April . . .
Sailor, Sailor Do Your Duty
Sailor, sailor do your duty,
Here comes __ the American beauty,
She can wiggle, she can waggle, she can do a split,
But she can’t wear dresses above her hips!
More Jump Rope Songs to Explore
This is just a starting point! There are countless jump rope songs out there, and variations abound. Feel free to adapt these, mix and match verses, or even create your own. The most important thing is to have fun and keep moving!
A, B, C and Vegetable Soup
A, B, C and vegetable goop.
What will I find in my alphabet soup?
A, B, C. . . . . . . . (When you miss, make up something that starts with the letter you missed on.)
A My Name Is
A my name is Alice
And my husband’s name is Arthur,
We come from Alabama,
Where we sell artichokes.
B my name is Barney
And my wife’s name is Bridget,
We come from Brooklyn,
Where we sell bicycles.
C my name is _
And my husband’s name is ___
We come from
Where we sell .
(Continue throughout the alphabet)
Benjamin Franklin Went to France
Benjamin Franklin went to France
To teach the ladies how to dance.
First the heel, and then the toe,
Spin around and out you go.
Charlie Chaplin Went to France
Charlie Chaplin went to France,
To teach the ladies the hula dance.
First on the heels,
Then on the toes,
Around and around and around you go.
Salute to the Captain,
Bow to the Queen,
Touch the bottom of the submarine.
Down in the Valley (v2)
Down in the valley where the green grass grows,
There sat as pretty as a rose.
She sang so high, she sang so sweet,
Along came and kissed her on the cheek.
How many kisses did she get?
1, 2, 3 . . . . .
Ice Cream Soda
Ice cream soda, lemonade, punch;
Spell the initials of my (your) honey bunch.
A-B-C-D . . . .
Rich Man, Poor Man
Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief,
Doctor, lawyer, Indian Chief.
Her shoes will be
Wood, leather, high heel, low heel, sandals, wooden.
Her dress will be made of
Silk, satin, cotton, batten, rags.
Her house will be
Big house, little house, pigpen, barn.
Her rings shall be made of
Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, glass.
How many children will she get?
1, 2, 3 . . . . .
And now your’e married you must obey,
You must be true in every way.
You must be kind, you must be good,
And make your husband chop the wood.
Keep the Rhyme Going!
Jump rope songs are a vibrant part of playground culture and a fun way to stay active. This collection offers a great starting point, but the world of jump rope rhymes is vast and ever-evolving. Do you have a favorite jump rope song that’s not on this list? Share it in the comments below, and help us grow this collection for jumpers everywhere!
And if you’re ready to jump into action, be sure to check out Double Dutch Jump Ropes to find the perfect ropes for your jump rope song adventures!
This collection of jump rope songs is compiled by payoffsong.com, your resource for fun and active songs and rhymes.
