Rig-a-Jig-Jig facts for kids

Rig-a-Jig-Jig is a fun and silly song from the 1800s. It's about a young man who meets a pretty girl. This song is great for singing games because many people know the tune. This means you can play it even without musicians!

How to Play Rig-a-Jig-Jig

This song is perfect for group activities and games. It's often used in games where everyone stands in a circle.

Playing the Partner Game

Here's how you can play a popular partner game with "Rig-a-Jig-Jig":

• All players stand in a large circle.
• One person, who we'll call the "young man," walks around inside the circle.
• As the "young man" sings the song, they look for someone to join them.
• When they sing the line "a pretty girl I chanced to meet," they bow to someone in the circle. This person can be called a "pretty lady."
• If the "pretty lady" sings "a nice young man" back, they join hands.
• Then, the "young man" and "pretty lady" sing the chorus together. They might skip or dance around the circle.
• The game continues with a new "young man" chosen from the circle. This keeps going until everyone has a partner!

Song Lyrics

The lyrics to "Rig-a-Jig-Jig" are simple and easy to remember. They tell the story of the meeting in the game.

I. As I was walking down the street Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho,

II. a pretty girl (or a nice young man) I chanced to meet Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho

III. Rig a jig jig and away we go, away we go, away we go. Rig a jig jig and away we go, Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho