Two nearly identical gentlemen walk the city street as people point and shout

John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt

John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt
His name is my name, too!
Whenever we go out,
The people always shout
There goes John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt!
Da da da da, da da da!

(The stanza repeats, often getting progressively quieter/louder or slower/faster each time.)

Listen as male American:

Listen as female Australian:

Listen to piano melody:

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Meaning

This lively, repetitive song is about two people who share a unique and memorable name—John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt. Whenever they go out, people notice and call out their shared name, creating a joyful, silly chant. The rhyme emphasizes group singing, rhythm, and fun, and is often accompanied by actions or changes in volume.

Origin

The song likely originated in vaudeville and immigrant communities in the late 19th and early 20th century, especially among German-Americans. Its first written appearance was in 1926, but it was circulating in theatrical and campfire settings before then. The unique name and chorus have made it a beloved part of English-language children’s folklore.

Time Period

First printed in the 1920s, with strong ties to earlier oral tradition and immigrant culture in America. It became especially popular at youth camps and gatherings in the 1930s and after.

Why It Became Popular

Its catchy repetition, easy melody, and humorous focus on an unusual name make it ideal for children’s group singing, play, and activities. The stanza is endlessly repeatable, lending itself to games where volume and speed change each round.

Structure and Style

Meter: Iambic, with energetic rhythm
Rhyme Scheme: No strict rhyme, but strong repetition
Line Count: 6 (per stanza)
Style Notes: Often sung in a round, in a loop—often changing volume or tempo as group play

Themes

Identity and names
Group fun
Nonsense
Repetition
Music and rhythm

Language Notes

The song features playful phonetics and tongue-twisting syllables, encouraging children to practice pronunciation and rhythm. The memorable chorus helps with rhyme and recall skills.

Moral or Lesson

No direct moral, but highlights the joy of group participation and being noticed for uniqueness.

Historical or Cultural Notes

The rhyme shares features with other repetitive group songs, such as “Yon Yonson” and “Michael Finnegan.” Versions appear internationally, including Spanish (“Juan Paco Pedro de la Mar”). It remains a staple in North American youth camps and schools.

Notable Variants

Some versions change the name slightly or repeat with added actions or whispered/sung rounds.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Commonly found in children’s songbooks, campfire compilations, and educational music programs.

Suggested Activities

Volume Game: Sing the rhyme and gradually lower or raise the volume together.
Name Game: Let children invent and chant their own whimsical names in the style of the song.
Art Project: Draw group scenes for “John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt” outings.
Action Play: Add actions or dance moves for each round.
Drama Game: Act out the story, with children responding to the “shouting.”

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