Aiken Drum is a beloved Scottish nursery rhyme passed down from generation to generation for centuries. The origins of this whimsical tune can be traced back to the 16th century during the Jacobite uprising. It has since become a favorite among children and adults alike.
The first publishing of the song was in a book about Jacobite uprising songs written by James Hogg. The song’s popularity has seen it used as a singing game, with players modifying the lyrics to their liking.
With its catchy melody and humorous lyrics, Aiken Drum has captured the hearts of many and has even been featured in popular media such as children’s books and television shows.
Lyrics for Aiken Drum
Below is the most common way people sing the song lyrics:
There was a man who lived in the moon,
who lived in the moon, who lived in the moon
There was a man who lived in the moon,
And his name was Aiken Drum.
And he played upon a ladle, a ladle, a ladle,
And he played upon a ladle,
and his name was Aiken Drum.
And his hat was made of good cream cheese, of good cream cheese, of good cream cheese,
And his hat was made of good cream cheese,
And his name was Aiken Drum.
And his coat was made of good roast beef, of good roast beef, of good roast beef,
And his coat was made of good roast beef,
And his name was Aiken Drum.
And his buttons made of penny loaves, of penny loaves, of penny loaves,
And his buttons made of penny loaves,
And his name was Aiken Drum.
And his waistcoat was made of crust pies, of crust pies, of crust pies,
And his waistcoat was made of crust pies,
And his name was Aiken Drum.
And his breeches made of haggis bags, of haggis bags, of haggis bags,
And his breeches made of haggis bags,
And his name was Aiken Drum.
The lyrics can change according to how someone wants them. Aiken Drum’s attributes can be anything from a carrot to a watermelon.
When singing the song for a child, you can also modify the lyrics to sing about each part of the body like in the second video below.
