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 Its memorable, repeated chorus makes the song easy to sing along to even before children fully grasp every historical reference in the lyrics.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](/blog/folk-songs-for-children-why-traditional-music-matters).

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!