Origin: The earliest recorded version of “Hickory Dickory Dock” appeared in Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book in 1744, with the opening line “Hickere, Dickere Dock” .
Purpose: The rhyme is believed to have originated as a counting-out rhyme. Westmorland shepherds in the 19th century used the numbers “Hevera” (8), “Devera” (9), and “Dick” (10) from the Cumbric language, which may have influenced the nonsensical words in the rhyme.
Exeter Cathedral Connection: The rhyme may have been inspired by the astronomical clock at Exeter Cathedral, which has a small hole in the door below the clock face to allow the resident cat to hunt mice.
Hickory Dickory Dock is a fun and engaging nursery rhyme designed for young children, especially those aged 4 and under. This modern version brings the classic rhyme to life with lively visuals and playful sounds, mimicking the ticking and chiming of a grandfather clock. Originally, the words hickory, dickory, and dock were Celtic numbers meaning eight, nine, and ten.
Today, this beloved rhyme serves as an entertaining way to introduce kids to the basics of telling time. Through repetition and singing along, children develop an early understanding of clocks and hours. Below, you can find the lyrics to Hickory Dickory Dock—perfect for singing and learning!
Hickory Dickory Dock Song English Lyrics
Hickory dickory dock,
The mouse went up the clock.
The clock struck one,
The mouse went down,
Hickory dickory dock.
Hickory dickory dock,
The bear went up the clock.
The clock struck two,
The bear ran down,
Hickory dickory dock.
Hickory dickory dock,
The parrot went up the clock.
The clock struck three,
The parrot went down,
Hickory dickory dock.
Hickory dickory dock,
The monkey went up the clock.
The clock struck four,
The monkey went down,
Hickory dickory dock.
Hickory Dickory dock,
The pig went up the clock.
The clock struck five,
The pig went down,
Hickory dickory dock.
Hickory Dickory dock,
The elephant went up the clock.
The clock struck six,
The elephant went down,
Hickory Dickory dock.
The earliest recorded version appeared in Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book in 1744, with the opening line “Hickere, Dickere Dock”
It helps children learn counting and develop rhythm and coordination through interactive actions.
Yes, different cultures and educators have created various versions to suit their teaching methods.