Donkey Riding is a traditional Canadian work song or sea shanty, the tune being an adaptation of Highland Laddie. The “donkey” of the song title is a type of steam engine. (source)

Lyrics

1. Were you ever in Quebec,
Show-ing timber on a deck?
There’s a king with a golden crown,
Riding on a donkey.

Refrain
Hey, ho away we go, donkey riding, donkey riding,
Hey, ho away we go, Riding on a donkey.

2. Were you ever off the horn,
Where it’s always fine and warm?
See the lion and the unicorn,
Riding on a donkey. Refrain

3. Were you ever in the town,
Where the girls walk up and down?
Waiting for boys to come to town
Riding on a donkey. Refrain

Links

• more sea shanties
• songs about horses, donkeys, mules & camels
• more Canadian folk songs
• more recorder DEF#GAB songs
• more songs with dotted eighth note – sixteenth note patterns
• more songs with I IV V chords

• more info

• more lyrics

• lesson ideas

The following content is available below to Plus Members:

• PDF includes:
  • Song with chords in 2 keys
• MIDI file
• MP3