Skip to My Lou

USA

HISTORY AND SONG NOTES

Skip to My Lou is an American folksong, believed to have originated in the 1840s. It originated as a partner dance, or as a square dance, where the partners keep switching throughout the song.

In addition to the lyrics above, there are several historical verses that are associated with this song. Instead of the “fly’s in the buttermilk” lines, you can try any of the below. And, the children may enjoy coming up with their own verses!

Other verses:

There's a little red wagon, paint it blue…

I lost my partner, what'll I do?…

Can't get a red bird, jay bird'll do…

Cat's in the cream jar, ooh, ooh, ooh…

Off to Texas, two by two….

Cows in the pasture two by two!…

AUDIO RECORDING FOR LISTENING, SINGING ALONG, AND LEARNING:

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