Johnny Johnny Yes Papa Lyrics

A short call-and-response rhyme in which a parent catches little Johnny sneaking sugar, and Johnny insists he is telling the truth — until a giggle gives him away. Best for ages 2–5. The back-and-forth structure ("Johnny Johnny?" / "Yes, Papa?") is a perfect early conversation script: toddlers quickly learn to take the "Yes, Papa" part, practicing turn-taking and listening. The little story also opens gentle, age-appropriate talk about honesty and owning small mistakes, all wrapped in a playful "ha ha ha" ending children love to act out. Take turns being the parent and Johnny to make it a two-person game. For how rhymes like this compare with modern kids' media and why the simple ones still matter, see [nursery rhymes vs modern kids songs](/blog/nursery-rhymes-vs-modern-kids-songs) and [why nursery rhymes matter for brain development](/blog/why-nursery-rhymes-matter-for-brain-development).

Johnny, Johnny?
Yes, Papa?
Eating sugar?
No, Papa.
Telling lies?
No, Papa.
Open your mouth!
Ha ha ha!