Info
The original Bobby Shafto has been identified with a resident of Hollybrook, County Wicklow, Ireland, who died in 1737. (source)
Lyrics
(Folk song)
Bobby Shafto’s gone to sea,
Silver buckles on his knee.
He’ll come back and marry me*.
Bonnie Bobby Shafto!
*option: to visit me.
Recorder Notes E, G, A
See also
- Subject: water
- Type: nursery rhyme
- Harmony: Orff arrangements / one chord
- Melody: mi so la / E,G,A
- Meter: 4
- Rhythm:
- Scale: tritonic
- Tones: msl
or purchase here (printables only)
- Printable Rhythm Visuals
- PDF of song with chords + Lesson ideas + Orff arrangement
- MIDI file
- Listen to the song
3 thoughts on “Bobby Shafto”
Do you know the cup game progression of hand movements? I’ve watched the YouTube of it, but not able to discern the order of the hand movements. Thanks!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZIAP3Zq1W0
From the video, it seems like the pattern is 4 beats:
1. pat
2. clap
3. pick up cup with left hand
4. pass cup to the left
I hope that helps!
Beth
It gets more complicated as it goes along, so not suitable for year ones, but I like the concept.