Diddle Diddle Dumpling Lyrics
John goes to bed with his trousers still on and one sock missing. Diddle Diddle Dumpling, My Son John is a funny bedtime rhyme that most kids will recognize from their own bedtime.
Diddle Diddle Dumpling
Diddle diddle dumpling, my son John
Went to bed with his breeches on,
One stocking off, and one stocking on;
Diddle diddle dumpling, my son John.
Printed from https://nurseryrhymes.co/diddle-diddle-dumpling/
- Type
- Mother Goose, Lullabies
- Tune
- Traditional
- Best for ages
- 1 to 5 years
Hand Motions and Actions
| When you sing | Do this |
|---|---|
| Diddle diddle dumpling, my son John | Pat your child's tummy in time with the words. |
| Went to bed with his breeches on | Point to their trousers or pajama bottoms. |
| One stocking off, and one stocking on | Pull one sock off, leave the other on, and laugh. |
What Does Diddle Diddle Dumpling Mean?
"Breeches" are old-fashioned trousers and "stockings" are socks. John is so tired, or in such a hurry, that he falls into bed half dressed. "Dumpling" is an affectionate name for a small, round child.
History and Origin
The rhyme has been in English nursery collections since the 1800s. It is also said to have been a street seller's cry for hot dumplings, which may explain the unusual first line.
Learning Activities
- Sock game: at bedtime, take one sock off while you sing, then the other.
- Getting ready: make a picture checklist for bedtime: pajamas, teeth, story, bed.