This scout song is well-known around the world. It's seems to be gibberish, so kids all over the world can sing it together.

Notes

It was thought that this song was written by Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, who introduced it at the 1st World Scout Jamboree in 1920. It's possible it predates 1920 and that it comes from a Swedish cabaret song that was written for New Years in 1905 with the following (nonsensical) lyrics:

:|: Hinkan, kolikolikolikolifejsan,
Kinkan koh, kinkan koh :|:

:|: Ava, illa shava
O, illa shava
Kolifejs! :|:
Tjolafalla, tjolafalla!

You can read more about that theory on Wikiwand.

Please email us to share the version you sing and let us know which country you're from. We'd also be curious to know how it's sung in Sweden nowadays. Thanks! Mama Lisa

Comments

Interestingly, this song was sung by boy scouts in the TV show Boardwalk Empire which takes place in the 1920's and 30's.

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