One of the most popular and beloved songs, especially in the USA, the “Yankee Doodle” is a patriotic rhyme, first found in written form in 1775.

The first known version of Yankee Doodle is attributed to English doctor Richard Shackburg. The song uses the same melody as the “Lucy Locket” rhyme.

“Yankee Doodle” History

Terms and origins

The origin of Yankee Doodle is related to the Seven Year’s War. The British army used to dub “Yankees” the New England’s (USA) soldiers, for being so naïve and inexperienced.
Doodle, a derived from the German dudeltopf, and Low Saxon dudel or dödel, is used to define a fool person or a simpleton one.

Yankee Doodle has much historic significance to the USA. Originally it was sung by British soldiers who made fun of American soldiers this way (the term Yankee being considered a pejorative one). As the war progressed and the Americans started gaining victories, it was adopted by Americans.

Later, during the Civil War, revised versions of the song were sung by Northern and Southern people alike as a way to make fun of the other side.

“Yankee Doodle” Lyrics

Kids Version

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.
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

There was Captain Washington,
Upon a slapping stallion,
Giving orders to his men-
I guess there were a million.
Chorus