The Ballad of Davy Crockett Lyrics

"The Ballad of Davy Crockett," written by Thomas W. Blackburn and released in 1954, tells the story of the American frontiersman Davy Crockett through a catchy, narrative ballad format. It appeals most to children ages 3-8, who are old enough to follow its storytelling verses about frontier life and American history. As a patriotic folk song, it gives families a musical entry point into talking about historical figures and the frontier era of American history, without requiring a formal history lesson. Early-childhood educators often use narrative ballads like this one because following a story set to music helps children build listening stamina and sequencing skills, tracking a character's journey across multiple verses. Its memorable, repeated chorus makes the song easy to sing along to even before children fully grasp every historical reference in the lyrics. As a mid-20th-century American folk song, it also reflects a specific moment in U.S. popular culture when frontier stories captured national attention. For more songs that connect children to cultural and historical roots through music, see why traditional music matters for children.

Born on a mountain top in Tennessee,
Greenest state in the Land of the Free.
Raised in the woods so he knew every tree,
Kilt him a b'ar when he was only three.
Davy, Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier!

Fought single-handed through the Injun War,
Till the Creeks was whipped and peace was in store.
And while he was handling this risky chore,
Made hisself a legend forevermore.
Davy, Davy Crockett, the man who don't know fear!