“Ding Dong Dell,” also known as “Ding Dong Bell,” is a traditional English nursery rhyme that originated in the 16th century. The song has been passed down through generations, with John Lant being the first to have recorded a version in print in 1580.
The rhyme might have originated as a cautionary tale to discourage children from harming animals or to teach them about the consequences of their actions; however, as there is no formal history written about the rhyme, we can only guess this is why the rhyme was sung.
Lyrics for Ding Dong Dell
While the modern version tones down the supposed violence in the song, another version is recommended for kids. Here are the lyrics to the modern version:
Ding, dong, bell,
Pussy’s in the well.
Who put her in?
Little Johnny Green.
Who pulled her out?
Little Tommy Stout.
What a naughty boy was that,
To try to drown poor pussy cat,
Who ne’er did him any harm,
But killed all the mice in the farmer’s barn
…and here are lyrics to the version recommended for kids:
Ding dong bell,
Pussy’s at the well.
Who took her there?
Little Johnny Hare.
Who’ll bring her in?
Little Tommy Thin.
What a jolly boy was that
To get some milk for pussy cat,
Who ne’er did any harm,
But played with the mice in his father’s barn
The Original Version
Ding dong bell,
Pussy’s in the well.
Who put her in?
Little Johnny Green.
Who pulled her out?
Little Tommy Stout
In some modern versions, the word kitty replaces the word pussy. Also, some versions change the name of Johnny Green to either Johnny Thin or any other name.