The Farmer in the Dell Lyrics

With roots in Germany before becoming a staple of American schoolyards by around the 1820s, The Farmer in the Dell is a circle singing game in which children take turns being "picked" as the verses add a new character each round. It suits children ages 3-8, an age range where kids can manage both the physical circle-game movement and the growing cast of characters in the lyrics. Early-childhood educators frequently use cumulative singing games like this one because each new verse adds just one small piece of information, helping children practice sequencing and memory without feeling overwhelmed. The game also naturally teaches turn-taking and group cooperation, since every child gets a moment to be chosen and then choose the next player. Its long life on both sides of the Atlantic reflects how well simple, physical singing games travel between cultures and generations. To see how movement-based songs support growing bodies as well as minds, check out [movement songs and gross motor development](/blog/movement-songs-gross-motor-development).

The farmer in the dell,
The farmer in the dell,
Hi-ho, the derry-o,
The farmer in the dell.

The farmer takes a wife,
The farmer takes a wife,
Hi-ho, the derry-o,
The farmer takes a wife.

The wife takes a child,
The wife takes a child,
Hi-ho, the derry-o,
The wife takes a child.

The cheese stands alone,
The cheese stands alone,
Hi-ho, the derry-o,
The cheese stands alone.