Around the House, Arickity-rary Lyrics
A short Scottish counting-out rhyme with a green canary, an argument about yes and no, and a quick game of hold fast, let go.
Around the House, Arickity-rary
Around the house, arickity-rary,
I hope ye'll meet the green canary:
You say ay, I say no,
Hold fast, let go!
Printed from https://nurseryrhymes.co/around-the-house-arickity-rary/
- Type
- Counting Rhymes
- Tune
- Chanted counting-out rhyme
- Best for ages
- 4 to 9 years
Hand Motions and Actions
| When you sing | Do this |
|---|---|
| Around the house, arickity-rary | Point around the circle, one player per beat. |
| You say ay, I say no | Nod, then shake your head. |
| Hold fast, let go! | Grab a partner's hand, then let go quickly. |
What Does Around the House, Arickity-rary Mean?
Arickity-rary is a nonsense word chosen to rhyme with canary. Ay is an old word for yes, so "you say ay, I say no" is a playful argument. The last line works as a little test of quick reactions: hold on tight, then let go as fast as you can.
History and Origin
The rhyme is printed in Robert Ford's Children's Rhymes, Children's Games, Children's Songs, Children's Stories (1904), among the counting-out rhymes used by Scottish children to choose who would be It.
Learning Activities
- Hold fast, let go: partners hold hands and try to let go exactly on go.
- Ay or no: ask quick questions and answer only with ay or no.
- Canary colors: canaries are usually yellow; draw a green one for the rhyme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ay mean?
Yes. It is an old word still heard in Scotland.
What kind of rhyme is it?
A counting-out rhyme for choosing who is It.