Info
This British version is considered traditional in the UK, based on earlier versions from the 19th century. The American version Hokey Pokey, is still under copyright, composed by Jimmy Kennedy in 1942 (though authorship is disputed). (source)
Lyrics
(Folk song)
You put your left arm in, left arm out
In out, in out, you shake it all about,
You do the Hokey Cokey and you turn around
That’s what it’s all about.
Refrain
Whoa the Hokey Cokey,
Whoa the Hokey Cokey,
Whoa the Hokey Cokey,
Knees bent, arms stretched
Rah rah rah!
…left arm… Refrain
…right leg… Refrain
…left leg… Refrain
Motions
Formation: Students stand in a circle.
Verses
- Lines 1 + 2 – Follow the lyrics and stretch different body parts into and out of the circle, then shake.
- Lines 3 + 4 = Put hands up and turn around in place.
Refrain
- Line 1 = Take 4 small steps into the circle and gradually raise arms, then 4 small steps out and lower arms.
- Lines 2 + 3 = Repeat Line 1
- Last few lines = Bend and touch knees, put arms up, then clap 3 times.
See also
- Region: United Kingdom
- Subject: body parts
- Activity: motions
- Harmony: I, IV, V
- Meter: 4
- Rhythm: anacrusis
YouTube
- PDF of song with chords
- MIDI file
- Listen to the melody
