Hey, Ho, Nobody Home

England

HISTORY AND SONG NOTES

Hey, Ho, Nobody Home is a 16th century folksong from England. It was originally associated with Christmas carol singing, but in recent history has not been considered to be exclusively a Christmas song. While listening to or singing this song, the children can rock their bodies, either seated or standing, to feel the meter of the song. They can also experience singing legato, and creating smooth phrases with their voices, or showing the phrases with a scarf or streamer. This song is also in the minor mode.

In addition to the lyrics in the score above, often used verses for this song include:

Hey, ho, nobody home. Meat, nor drink, nor money have I none. Yet I will/we shall/would I be merry.

This song can also be performed as a round, with older children who know the song confidently and with adult help. The round begins on the second measure, on the word “meat.”

AUDIO RECORDING FOR LISTENING, SINGING ALONG, AND LEARNING:

You’ll notice that in the recording below Hey, Ho, Nobody Home is paired with another folksong, Ah, Poor Bird. These songs share the same harmonic structure, and can be sung together. Young children will not be able to sing two or more overlapping songs independently as you hear in this recording without considerable practice and teacher help; however, listening to overlapping songs or songs with different vocal parts is one way that we first introduce children to the concept of harmony.

 
 

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