Diddle Diddle Dumpling” is a traditional English nursery rhyme that dates back to the 18th century. The rhyme tells the story of a little boy who goes to bed and dreams of all the different shoes he could wear. A clapping or tapping game often accompanies the rhyme. Children clap or tap their hands to the rhythm of the words.
What the rhyme means is unclear, but it is thought to reflect the everyday life of ordinary people in 18th-century England. The rhyme might have been used to teach children about taking care of their belongings, including their shoes.
Lyrics for Diddle Diddle Dumpling
Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John,
Went to bed with his trousers on;
One shoe off, and the other shoe on,
Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John.
Alternate Versions
Diddle diddle dumpling, my son John
Went to bed with his britches on.
One shoe off, and one shoe on;
Diddle diddle dumpling, my son John
Deedle, deedle, dumpling, my son John,
Went to bed with his stockings on;
One shoe off, and one shoe on,
Deedle, deedle, dumpling, my son John
