The Noble Duke of York

ENGLAND

HISTORY AND SONG NOTES

The Noble Duke of York is a folksong from England. Also sometimes called The Grand Old Duke of York, the origin of this song is unclear. Early versions were written down or published in 1642, 1892, and 1894; the version that we know today appeared in Arthur Rackham’s Mother Goose in 1913. Many people have debated who the character of the “Duke” may have been based on, and there is some evidence that the rhyme has been adapted and used in different eras to represent different historical figures.

BOUNCE

This song makes an excellent lap bounce for young children, in adult/child settings; suggested movements for the bounce are listed below. You’ll notice that the recorded version and the score say “he” for the duke but use “she” or “they” as well.

Suggested Movements - with the adult sitting legs straight out, child sitting on lap facing either towards or away from the adult:

“Oh, the noble Duke of York, he/she/they had ten thousand men” – bounce along with the beat
“He/She/They marched them up to the top of the hill” – march your knees up, so that the child rises
“And he/she/they marched them down again” – march your knees back down
“And when you’re up, you’re up”– quickly, knees go up
“And when you’re down, you’re down” – quickly down
“And when you’re only half-way up” – quickly, knees go up, midway
“you’re neither up” – quickly knees up; “nor down” - quickly knees down
“He/She/They marched them to the left” – march knees to left, and lean the child to the left
“He/She/They marched them to the right” – march knees to right, and lean the child to the right
“He/She/They marched them over the top of the hill…” - either lean back, so that the child leans way back, or raise your arms and the child’s arms up
“Oh. what a funny sight” - bounce along with the beat

INSTRUMENT PLAYING

The Noble Duke of York also works well as a group percussion instrument playing activity. Click here for more information and suggestions for group instrument playing.