Hickory Dickory Dock

Hickory, dickory, dock,
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory, dickory, dock.

Listen as female American:

Listen as male British:

Listen as told in a story:

Note:

Dickery, Dickery, Dare is often used as the second stanza to this rhyme.

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Meaning

This classic rhyme tells of a mouse running up and down a clock as the hour strikes. Its playful repetition and sound effects introduce children to the concept of time and counting. The nonsensical phrase “hickory dickory dock” is believed to have served as a counting-out rhyme, much like “Eeny Meeny Miny Moe,” and its rhythmic structure supports memory and engagement for young learners.

Origin

First printed in Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book in 1744 as “Hickere, Dickere Dock,” the rhyme is thought to originate from the counting chants of British shepherds. Words similar to “hickory,” “dickory,” and “dock” may reflect numbers 8, 9, and 10 in the old Cumbric dialect. The tale also connects to the astronomical clock at Exeter Cathedral, which had a hole for a resident cat to catch mice—possibly inspiring the rhyme’s storyline.

Time Period

From at least the mid-18th century in print, but likely older in oral and folk tradition. Variants appeared throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

Why It Became Popular

Its catchy melody, repetitive format, and playful imagery make it an ideal song for teaching children about clocks, numbers, and rhythm. The rhyme remains a favorite in early education, story-time, music, and classroom games.

Structure and Style

Meter: Steady, repetitive rhythm
Rhyme Scheme: AABBA
Line Count: Typically five lines per verse; extended with hours two, three, etc.
Style Notes: Onomatopoeic, counting-out rhyme

Themes

Counting and time
Playful action
Animals in domestic settings
Learning and memory

Language Notes

“Hickory dickory dock” itself is likely a playful adaptation of dialect numbers. The rhyme uses simple language and animal imagery suitable for young children’s recitation and movement games.

Moral or Lesson

Helps children understand timekeeping and sequencing through story and repetition. Encourages curiosity and joy around learning to tell time.

Historical or Cultural Notes

The rhyme bridges folk counting systems and early education. It is linked to regional counting methods among shepherds, connections to notable English clocks, and the genre of rhymes used to “count out” children for games. Its appearance in countless books, songs, and educational videos underscores its lasting appeal.

Notable Variants

Later versions adapt the rhyme for hours two, three, four, and so on; some lines change chorus structure or add different animals and scenarios.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Found in nearly every major English-language nursery rhyme collection; featured in music, videos, educational material, and early literacy programs.

Suggested Activities

Movement Game: Act out the mouse running up and down the clock at each hour.
Counting Practice: Extend the rhyme with hours two, three, etc., for number learning.
Craft Project: Create paper clocks and mice; re-enact the rhyme as a group activity.
Music Time: Sing with instruments or hand motions for rhythm recognition.