Skip to My Lou (Nursery Rhyme)

Summary

This nursery rhyme is a playful and repetitive song traditionally used in children's games and dances. It features a simple call-and-response structure with a focus on the act of skipping. The lyrics include whimsical and light-hearted scenarios such as a fly bothering the buttermilk, a wagon changing color, and a mischievous cat, fostering imagination and engagement. The song also touches on themes of finding a partner and adaptability, as seen in verses about losing a partner and finding another or replacing one bird with another. The repetition and rhythm make it easy to remember and sing along, encouraging physical activity and social interaction among children.

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Skip, skip, skip to my Lou,
Skip, skip, skip to my Lou,
Skip, skip, skip to my Lou,
Skip to my Lou, my darlin’.

Fly in the buttermilk, shoo, fly, shoo.
Fly in the buttermilk, shoo, fly, shoo.
Fly in the buttermilk, shoo, fly, shoo.
Skip to my Lou, my darlin’.

There’s a little red wagon, paint it blue.
There’s a little red wagon, paint it blue.
There’s a little red wagon, paint it blue.
Skip to my Lou, my darlin’.

I lost my partner, what’ll I do?
I lost my partner, what’ll I do?
I lost my partner, what’ll I do?
Skip to my Lou, my darlin’.

I’ll get another, as pretty as you.
I’ll get another, as pretty as you.
I’ll get another, as pretty as you.
Skip to my Lou, my darlin’.

Can’t get a red bird, jay bird’ll do.
Can’t get a red bird, jay bird’ll do.
Can’t get a red bird, jay bird’ll do.
Skip to my Lou, my darlin’.

Cat’s in the cream jar, ooh, ooh, ooh.
Cat’s in the cream jar, ooh, ooh, ooh.
Cat’s in the cream jar, ooh, ooh, ooh.
Skip to my Lou, my darlin’.

Off to Texas, two by two.
Off to Texas, two by two.
Off to Texas, two by two.
Skip to my Lou, my darlin’.

Lou, Lou skip to my lou,
Lou, Lou skip to my lou,
Lou, Lou skip to my lou,
Skip to my Lou my darlin’