Hickory Dickory Dock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "Hickory Dickory Dock" |
|
|---|---|
Illustration by William Wallace Denslow, from a 1901 Mother Goose collection
|
|
| Nursery rhyme | |
| Published | c. 1744 |
| Songwriter(s) | Unknown |
"Hickory Dickory Dock" is a very old and famous English language nursery rhyme. It's known all over the world and often taught to young children. This rhyme tells a short, fun story about a mouse and a clock. It has a special number, 6489, in the Roud Folk Song Index, which helps keep track of traditional songs.
Contents
What is "Hickory Dickory Dock"?
This popular rhyme is a short poem or song made for children. Nursery rhymes like "Hickory Dickory Dock" help kids learn about sounds and words. They often have simple tunes and easy-to-remember words. This rhyme is especially good for teaching about time and numbers.
The Words of the Rhyme
The most common version of "Hickory Dickory Dock" goes like this:
Hickory, dickory, dock.
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory, dickory, dock.
Sometimes you might hear slightly different words. For example, instead of "the mouse ran down," some versions say "down the mouse ran" or "and down he ran." These small changes don't change the main story of the rhyme.
Where Did It Come From?
"Hickory Dickory Dock" is believed to have been first published around 1744. This means it's over 275 years old! The exact writer is unknown, which is common for many old folk songs and rhymes. It likely started as a simple chant or song passed down through families.
Some people think the rhyme might have come from an old counting system. Shepherds in England used a system called "Yan Tan Tethera" to count their sheep. The words "Hickory Dickory Dock" sound a bit like "Hickory, Dickory, 8, 9, 10" in that old counting method.
Why a Mouse and a Clock?
The rhyme features a mouse and a clock, which are interesting choices. Clocks are all about time, and the rhyme clearly shows the clock striking "one." This helps children learn about numbers and how clocks work.
The mouse adds a playful touch to the rhyme. Mice are small and quick, which fits with the idea of running up and down a clock. The rhyme is a simple story that captures a child's imagination. It makes learning about time fun and memorable.
Popularity and Fun Facts
"Hickory Dickory Dock" is one of the most well-known nursery rhymes in the English-speaking world. It's often found in children's books and sung in schools and homes. Its simple rhythm and catchy words make it easy for young children to learn and repeat.
This rhyme has been part of many Mother Goose collections over the years. Mother Goose is a famous imaginary author of many classic children's rhymes. The rhyme has also inspired many toys, games, and cartoons for kids. It shows how a simple rhyme can become a lasting part of childhood.
