Yankee Doodle is one of the most popular American patriotic songs. However, despite its popularity, it started out as a song that made fun of American troops.

British Origins

The origins of “Yankee Doodle” lie in old English folk music. The song emerged before the American Revolution as a way for the British to make fun of American soldiers. “Yankee” began as a put down of Americans. “Doodle” was a put down meaning “fool” or “simpleton.”

American Revolution

As the American soldiers began winning over the British in the Revolution, they began singing the song as a sort of anthem taunting their enemies.

One of the earliest references to the song was in 1767 opera The Disappointment, and a printed version dates back to 1775.

American Version

While the exact origins of the tune and original lyrics are unknown, most historians believe that the American version was written by an English doctor named Dr. Shackburg. According to the Library of Congress, Shackburg wrote the lyrics in 1755.

Civil War

Throughout the early history of the United States, the lyrics were rewritten to make fun of various groups. For example, two versions were written during the Civil war, one making fun of the South and another making fun of the North.

Present

“Yankee Doodle” has become a symbol of American pride. The melody has been adapted and performed in every imaginable musical style. At present, it is considered a children’s song where very few know all the verses to the song.

Yankee Doodle

Yankee Doodle went to townJust to ride a ponyStuck a feather in his capAnd called it macaroni

Yankee doodle, keep it upYankee doodle dandyMind the music and the stepAnd with the girls be handy.

Yankee Doodle

Father and I went down to campAlong with Captain GoodingAnd there we saw the men and boysAs thick as hasty pudding.

Yankee Doodle

There was Captain WashingtonUpon a slapping stallionA-giving orders to his menI guess there was a million.

Yankee Doodle

And then the feathers on his hatThey looked so’ tarnal fin-aI wanted pockily to getTo give to my Jemima.

Yankee Doodle

And then we saw a swamping gunLarge as a log of mapleUpon a deuced little cartA load for father’s cattle.

Yankee Doodle

And every time they shoot it offIt takes a horn of powderIt makes a noise like father’s gunOnly a nation louder.

Yankee Doodle

I went as nigh to one myselfAs’ Siah’s underpinningAnd father went as nigh aginI thought the deuce was in him.

We saw a little barrel, tooThe heads were made of leatherThey knocked upon it with little clubsAnd called the folks together.

Yankee Doodle

And there they’d fife away like funAnd play on cornstalk fiddlesAnd some had ribbons red as bloodAll bound around their middles.

The troopers, too, would gallop upAnd fire right in our facesIt scared me almost to deathTo see them run such races.

Yankee Doodle

Uncle Sam came there to changeSome pancakes and some onionsFor’ lasses cake to carry homeTo give his wife and young ones.

Yankee Doodle

But I can’t tell half I seeThey kept up such a smotherSo I took my hat off, made a bowAnd scampered home to mother.

Yankee Doodle

Cousin Simon grew so boldI thought he would have cocked itIt scared me so I streaked it offAnd hung by father’s pocket.

Yankee Doodle

And there I saw a pumpkin shellAs big as mother’s basinAnd every time they touched it offThey scampered like the nation.

Yankee Doodle

And there was Captain Washington,With gentlefolks about him, They say he’s gown so ‘tarnal proudHe will not ride without them.

Yankee Doodle

There came Gen’ral WashingtonUpon a snow-white chargerHe looked as big as all outdoorsAnd thought that he was larger.