This song is similar to "The Farmer in the Dell".

Notes

According to Wikipedia, "The rhyme is first recorded in Germany in 1826, as 'Es fuhr ein Bau'r ins Holz,' and was more clearly a courtship game with a farmer choosing a wife, then in turn the selecting of a child, maid, and serving man, who leaves the maid after kissing."

Game Instructions

The numbers below correspond to the actions done while singing the corresponding verse.

1. A large group of children hold hands and go around in a circle while singing this song. Meanwhile, the "farmer" goes inside the circle and walks around in the opposite direction.
2. On the second verse the "farmer" picks a "wife" who joins him inside the circle. The "farmer" twirls the "wife" around in a circle while holding her hand.
3. On the 3rd verse, everyone stands in a circle and claps hands while the "wife" turns in a circle.
4. The "wife" chooses a "child" and the farmer joins them holding hands and going around in a circle one way while the children in the outer circle go around in the opposite direction.
5. The "child" turns in a circle by herself, while everyone else stands still while singing and clapping.
6. The "child" chooses someone to be the "nursemaid". That kid joins the inner circle and they go around.
7. The "nursemaid" turns around alone in a circle (inside the inner circle) while everyone else stands still while singing and clapping.
8. The "nursemaid" chooses a "servant" to join the inner circle and they go around on the verse. Everyone else goes around in the opposite direction.
9. The "servant" turns around in a circle alone while everyone else stands still in their circle and claps and sings.
10. The "servant" chooses a "horse" to join the inner circle and they hold hands going around in one direction while the outer circle goes in the opposite direction.
11. The "horse" turns around in a circle alone while everyone else stands still and claps and sings.
12. The "horse" chooses a "dog" to join the inner circle and they hold hands going around in one direction while the outer circle goes in the opposite direction.
13. The "dog" turns around alone in a circle while everyone else stands still while singing and clapping.
14. The kids gently push the farmer out of both circles.

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