As I Was Walking Down the Street (Rig a Jig Jig)

USA

HISTORY AND SONG NOTES

As I Was Walking Down the Street, also known as Rig a Jig Jig, is an American novelty song from the 1800s. This song interchanges between two different meters, the first being 4/4, which gives the feeling of a walking beat, transitioning into 6/8 in the second half of the song, which can feel more like a gallop. We also like to use this song to highlight the concept of tempo change, by singing or moving the 4/4 section with a slower beat than the lively 6/8 section.

This song makes an excellent group circle game, and can be done with simple movements for 3-year-olds, or more difficult movements for 4 or 5-year-olds.

You may not see the children singing and moving at the same time, and that is totally fine. In movement games, it is common for children to stop singing so that they can focus on their movements. Singing and moving may occur simultaneously in bursts, or as the children develop confidence over time with the song.

  • Version 1: Standing or sitting, the children pat their knees, or keep the beat in another way on their own body (tapping hands, patting the top of their head, etc.). When the song changes from 4/4 to 6/8, the children find a few way to show the beat, or a new place on their body to tap the new beat.

  • Version 2: Standing or sitting, children face a partner, and pat hands together with their partner along with the beat of the song during the first 2 lines (4/4 section). When the meter changes to 6/8 and the tempo increases in the second half of the song, the children can “gallop” their hands on their own knees, or again pat hands with their partner to the new beat. Keep in mind, patting hands with a partner during the 6/8 section may be difficult for some children. You can also have the children change partners in between repetitions of the song.

  • Version 3: Standing, the children walk to the beat around the circle during the 4/4 section of the song. When the meter and tempo change, the children can either stop and “gallop” on their knees, or they can gallop around the circle.

AUDIO RECORDING FOR LISTENING, SINGING ALONG, AND LEARNING:

 
 

PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT:

DOWNLOADS:

PDF of Score: As I Was Walking Down the Street

mp3 of piano accompaniment: As I Was Walking Down the Street