Willoughby Wallaby Woo Lyrics
Canadian poet Dennis Lee wrote the nonsense rhyme in his 1974 children's book Alligator Pie. Raffi adapted it into a song in 1976. The pattern — 'Willoughby wallaby [first letter swapped]ee, an elephant sat on [name]' — lets kids substitute the names of every family member, friend, and classmate, making it endlessly customizable. Best for ages 4–8. The name-substitution mechanic is a stealth literacy exercise: children practice manipulating onset sounds (the beginning consonant of a word) — exactly the skill that underlies early reading. Teachers love this song for class introductions because each child gets a turn. For more phonological-play songs, see [phonics songs](/blog/phonics-songs).
Full Lyrics
Willoughby wallaby wee, An elephant sat on me! Willoughby wallaby woo, An elephant sat on you! Willoughby wallaby Wustin, An elephant sat on Justin! Willoughby wallaby Wanya, An elephant sat on Tanya! Willoughby wallaby Wemma, An elephant sat on Emma! Willoughby wallaby Wack, An elephant sat on Jack! Willoughby wallaby wee, An elephant sat on me! Willoughby wallaby woo, An elephant sat on you!
Watch the music video!
Sing along with the animated video on KidSongsTV.