Frog Went a-Courting facts for kids

"Frog Went a-Courtin'" is a very old and popular English folk song. It's also known as a nursery rhyme. The first time we know it appeared was in a book called Complaynt of Scotland in 1548. Back then, it was called "The Frog cam to the Myl dur" and was in Scots.

Later, in 1580, there was a mention of "A Moste Strange Weddinge of the Frogge and the Mouse" in London. The oldest known musical version of the song was published in 1611 by Thomas Ravenscroft. Many different versions of the song exist today.

What is "Frog Went a-Courtin'" About?

The song tells the story of a brave frog who goes to ask Miss Mouse to marry him. He rides off on his journey, often wearing a fancy hat and sword.

The Proposal and Permission

Miss Mouse is happy to marry the frog. But first, she needs to ask her Uncle Rat for his permission. In some versions, other animals like an owl, bat, or bumblebee try to interrupt the frog's proposal. The frog might even fight them off!

Different Endings

After Uncle Rat gives his approval, the frog and mouse plan their wedding. But the story can end in many ways!

• Sometimes, a cat, snake, or other animal eats the happy couple and their wedding guests.
• In other versions, the frog manages to escape. But then, he might get swallowed by a duck later on.
• A popular and kid-friendly ending, sung by artists like Burl Ives, has Frog and Miss Mousie actually getting married!

Usually, the song ends with a fun line. It says that if you want to hear more of the story, you have to sing the rest yourself!

Where Did "Frog Went a-Courtin'" Come From?

The exact origin of "Frog Went a-Courtin'" is a bit of a mystery. Some people think it might have been about real historical events.

Early Theories

One idea is that the song was about François, Duke of Anjou trying to marry Queen Elizabeth I in 1579. Queen Elizabeth even called him "the frog." However, the Scottish version of the song was published much earlier, in 1548. This was before Queen Elizabeth was even queen!

So, if the song was about a queen, it might have been about Mary Queen of Scots. In 1547, her mother, Mary of Guise, wanted Princess Mary (Miss Mouse) to marry the young French Prince Louis (the frog).

A Suffolk Connection?

Another theory suggests the song came from Suffolk, England. Some believe that the words "Roley, Poley, Gammon and Spinach" in the song refer to four important families from Suffolk: Rowley, Poley, Bacon, and Green.

Famous Recordings of "Frog Went a-Courtin'"

Many famous musicians have recorded their own versions of "Frog Went a-Courtin'".

• Almeda Riddle
• Woody Guthrie
• Pete Seeger
• Burl Ives (his version is very well-known and popular with kids!)
• Elvis Presley
• Bob Dylan
• Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
• The Wiggles
• Bruce Springsteen
• Mike Oldfield
• Altan
• Laura Veirs
• Suzy Bogguss
• Elizabeth Mitchell

This song has been loved and sung by people for hundreds of years!

Other Names for the Song

"Frog Went a-Courtin'" has many different titles around the world. Here are some of them:

• "A Frog He Would a-Wooing Go"
• "Crambone"
• "Die Padda wou gaan opsit" (an Afrikaans version from South Africa)
• "Frog in the Well"
• "Froggie Went a-Courtin'"
• "Froggy Would a-Wooing Go"
• "The Frog's Wooing"
• "A Frog Went a-Walkin'"
• "King Kong Kitchie Kitchie Ki-Me-O"
• "There Lived a Puddie in the Well"
• "There Was a Puggie in a Well"
• "Y Broga Bach" (Welsh)
• "Yo para ser feliz quiero un camión"

Lyrics and illustration for "The Frog's Wooing" in The Baby's Opera A book of old Rhymes and The Music by the Earliest Masters