The farmer and company gather with the cheese

The Farmer in the Dell

The farmer in the dell, The farmer in the dell,
Hi-ho, the derry-o, The farmer in the dell.
The farmer takes a wife, The farmer takes a wife,
Hi-ho, the derry-o, The farmer takes a wife.
(The same format continues using the following)
The wife takes a child… The child takes a nurse… The nurse takes the cow… The cow takes a dog… The dog takes a cat… The cat takes a rat… The rat takes the cheese… The cheese stands alone

Listen as male American:

Listen as female British:

Listen as told in a story:

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Meaning

This cumulative nursery rhyme narrates a chain of characters connected by simple actions, ending with the cheese “standing alone.” It encourages memory, sequencing, and pattern recognition. The “dell” refers to a small valley, and the repeated “hi-ho, the derry-o” adds a folk-song feel. The ending can spark discussion on themes of isolation or being last chosen, though most children view it as a humorous conclusion to a fun circle game.

Origin

“The Farmer in the Dell” has its origins in a German folk song from the 1820s titled “Es fuhr ein Bau’r ins Holz”. It was brought to America by German immigrants around 1883 and quickly became popular. The English version is widely recognized in the UK, North America, and other English-speaking countries. The nursery rhyme is commonly used as a singing game in circle time, with the farmer selecting others in the group to play the wife, child, and so on as the song progresses.

Time Period

First documented in the early 19th century, the rhyme saw spread worldwide throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming a staple in children’s repertoires.

Why It Became Popular

Its catchy tune, cumulative form, and the physical activity of the accompanying game made it a staple in schools and playgrounds. It is easy to remember and adapt, serving as both entertainment and a tool for social learning.

Structure and Style

Meter: Simple, repetitive, based on folk song rhythm
Rhyme Scheme: Each stanza repeats, creating a cumulative effect
Line Count: Four lines per verse, with about ten verses
Style Notes: Cumulative, action-based, chant-like

Themes

Community and relationships
Sequencing and memory
Role selection and inclusion
Folk customs

Language Notes

Simple verbs and nouns, repeated continuously, reinforce early language skills. “Hi-ho, the derry-o” is a nonsense refrain typical of traditional folk music, enhancing the song’s playful tone[web:1228][web:1226].

Moral or Lesson

Promotes ideas about connections and community, though the ending can serve as a gentle discussion point about isolation or being left out.

Historical or Cultural Notes

The rhyme’s structure and selection process echo games from earlier European traditions. The “cheese stands alone” phrase has entered English vernacular to describe someone left on their own at the end of a process. Many cultures have adapted the rhyme and game for local contexts.

Notable Variants

International versions change characters and order; in the UK it’s called “The Farmer’s in His Den,” with a slightly different progression.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Commonly found in children’s music albums, rhyme books, and educational TV. Its longevity and adaptability have made it an evergreen favorite for circle time activities.

Suggested Activities

Circle Game: Play the traditional game, with each new “character” joining the center.
Memory Challenge: Have children recite the song from memory or act out characters.
Art Project: Draw each character as they are introduced in the song.
Discussion: Talk about community and inclusion using the rhyme’s structure.