Felicia wrote:
Dear Mama Lisa,
I found your website while I was looking for the lyrics to a song my dad used to sing to me when I was a little girl driving down the road. It starts out like this…
There was a little mouse who lived on a hill, uh-huh, uh-huh
There was a little mouse who lived on a hill, uh-huh, uh-huh
There was a little mouse who lived on a hill he was rough and tough like buffalo bill, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh
The song then goes on to tell a story about the little mouse meeting a girl mouse and getting married under a sycamore tree etc. If you could help me with the lyrics, if you know them, I would be very grateful.
Thanks for any help you can give me,
Felicia Saathoff
If anyone can help with this song, please comment below.
Thanks!
Lisa
This article was posted on Friday, May 11th, 2007 at 9:36 am and is filed under American Kids Songs, Australia, Australian Kids Songs, British Children's Songs, Canada, Canadian Children's Songs, Children's Songs, Countries & Cultures, England, English, Frog Went A courtin', Languages, Questions, Readers Questions, United Kingdom, USA. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
47 Responses to “Does Anyone Know a Song with the Line “”There was a little mouse who lived on a hill””?”
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May 12th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
The words you have are a variation of the song ‘Frog Went a Courtin’ by Bob Dylan, (I think). Google the title and it will come up for you.
May 12th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Thanks for commenting.
Click the link for the lyrics to Frog Went a Courtin’ – there just about the same as the Dylan lyrics and not exactly what’s above. There’s no mention of “rough and tough like buffalo bill”, for example.
It just happens that you can hear a clip from Bob Dylan’s version of Frog Went a Courtin’ on his site – if anyone’s interested. It’s cool – though it’s just a 45 second clip. Click the link to get there.
May 13th, 2007 at 12:03 am
This song is very close to the one I am looking for but not quite. The little mouse does marry a girl mouse named miss mousey and the little mouse has to ask brother rat if he can marry her, there is a line here where he is knocking on brother rat’s door until his fist got sore. Then they get married under a sycamore tree and then there is something about black eyed peas.
I am sure the song I am thinking of is inspired by this song, but the song I am thinking of is definitely about a mouse. Maybe my dad just made it up himself based off of the frog song…
May 13th, 2007 at 9:01 am
I’ve been reading about this song and I’ve found out that firstly, it’s over 450 years old! Secondly, there really are MANY variations. So your father probably sang one of the numerous versions that are out there.
Hopefully someone is familiar with it and can help you find the full lyrics.
June 3rd, 2007 at 5:57 pm
I have to agree with Felicia – i sang that same song on school bus trips. It is about a mouse and meeting a mouse and getting permission to marry her. I still still the first two versus. I am looking for it too.
June 5th, 2007 at 11:18 am
THERE WAS A LITTLE MOUSE WHO LIVED ON A HILL (UH-HUH)
AND HE WALKED AND HE TALKED LIKE BUFFALO BILL etc
ONE DAY HE THOUGHT HE’D TAKE A RIDE
WITH A SWORD & A PISTOL BY HIS SIDE
HE RODE UP TO MISS MOUSEYS DOOR
& HE KNOCKED & HE KNOCKED TIL HIS FIST GOT SORE
HE SAT MISS MOUSEY ON HIS KNEE
& HE SAID MISS MOUSEY WOULD YA MARRY ME
MISS MOUSEY SAID I CAN’T DO THAT
I’LL HAVE TO ASK MY BROTHER RAT (UH-HUH)
NOW BROTHER RAT HAS GONE TO TOWN
TO BUY MISS MOUSEY A WEDDING GOWN
THE WEDDING TOOK PLACE IN THE OLD OAK TREE
WITH THE BIRDS & THE BEES & THE BLACK EYED THIEVES
THE 1st TO COME WAS MR SNAKE
& HE WRAPPED HIS TAIL AROUND THE CAKE
THE 2nd TO COME WAS MRS CHICK
& SHE ATE SO MUCH THAT SHE GOT SICK
THE 3rd TO COME WAS DR FLY
& HE SAID MRS CHICKY YOU’LL SURELY DIE
THEY HAD 6 KIDS THAT LOOKED LIKE BRATS
SOME TALL, SOME SHORT, SOME SKINNY, SOME FAT
THAT’S ALL THERE IS THERE AIN’T NO MORE
IF I TOLD YOU MORE YOU MIGHT GET SORE (UH-HUH, UH-HUH UH-HUH)
I LEARNED THIS ON A BUS RIDE IN SCHOOL TOO. I SANG IT THE OTHER DAY AT A CAMP FIRE. SURPRISED MYSELF THAT I REMEMBERED THE WORDS FROM A SONG I HADN’T SUNG SINCE THE 70’S! HOPE IT HELPS
June 5th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
That’s cool! Thanks!
If you’d like to sing it for us, I’d be happy to post a recording!
-Mama Lisa
June 15th, 2007 at 12:11 am
My oldest brother learned this song @ camp appx. 50 years ago. He sang it to me many times and it became a favorite of our children and now grandchildren. I remember it as:
There once was a mouse who lived on a hill, a umm, a umm
There once was a mouse who lived on a a hill as rough and tough as Buffalo Bill, a umm, a umm
One day he said, I’ll go for a ride, a umm, a umm
One day he said, I’ll go for a ride with sword and pistol at my side, a umm, a umm
He rode up to Miss Mousies door, a umm a umm
He rode up to Miss Mousies door and knocked and knocked ’til his fist got sore, a umm, a umm
He sat Miss Mousie on his knee, a umm, a umm
He sat Miss Mousie on his knee and said would you marry me, a umm, a umm
Miss Mousie said I can’t do that, a umm, a umm
Miss Mousie said I can’t do that you’ll have to ask my brother rat, a umm, a umm
My brother rat he went to town, a umm, a umm
My brother rat he went to town to buy me a wedding gown, a umm, a umm
They held the wedding in a big oak tree, a umm, a umm
They held the wedding in a big oak tree with corn porn and black eyed pea, a umm, a umm
The first to come was Mr, Snake, a umm a umm
The first to come was Mr. Snake who wrapped his tail around the cake, a umm, a umm
The second to come was Mrs. Chick, a umm a umm
The second to come was Mrs. Chick who ate and ate til she got sick, a umm, a umm
The third to come was Dr. Fly, a umm, a umm
The third to come was Dr. Fly who said Miss Chicky you’ll surely die, a umm, a umm
They had six children that looked like rats, a umm, a umm
They had six children that looked like rats, some short, some tall, some skinny, some fat, a umm, a umm
I’m sorry but there is no more, a umm, a umm
I’m sorry but there is no more I sang and sang til my throat got sore, a umm, a umm, a umm, a umm.
June 19th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
This is a lot closer to the one my Dad used to sing, thanks everybody. If I find the exact words he used I’ll let everyone know.
-Felicia
July 19th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
i learned it too but it was a bit different. the version i learned was. oh and i numbered the verses
1.There was a little mouse who lived on a hill uh-hum
uh-hum
there was a little mouse who lived on a hill, who walked
and talked like buffalo bill, uh-hum uh-hum
2.one day he thought he’d go for a ride uh-hum uh-hum
one day he thought he’d go for a ride with a sword and
a pistol by his side, uh-hum uh-hum
3. he rode up to ms. mousy’s door uh-hum uh-hum
he rode up to ms. mousy’s door and he knocked and
knocked till his first got soar, uh-hum uh-hum
4. he said ms.mousy marry me, uh-hum uh-hum
he said ms. mousy marry me and we’ll be as happy as can
be uh-hum uh-hum
5. ms. mousy said i cant do that uh-hum uh-hum
ms. mousy said i cant do that i’d have to ask my brother rat
uh-hum uh-hum
6. the wedding was held ‘neath the old oak tree, uh-hum uh-hum, the wedding was held ‘neath the old oak tree with
the birds and the bees and the black eyed peas uh-hum uh-hum
7. the first to come was mr.snake, uh-hum, uh-hum
the first to come was mr.snake and he rapped himself
around that cake uh-hum, uh-hum
8. the second to come was mr. chick, uh-hum uh-hum
the second to come was mr.chick and he ate so much that
he got sick uh-hum, uh-hum
9. the third to come was doctor fly uh-hum. uh-hum
the third to come was doctor fly and he said that mr.chick
would die, uh-hum, uh-hum
10. that’s all there is there ain’t no more, uh-hum uh-hum
thats all there is there ain’t no more, if ya ask for more you might get soar uh-hum uh-hum
October 30th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
there once was a mouse who lived on a hill(um hum)(um hum) there onnce was a mouse who lived on a hill who’s name was called by buffalo bill(um hum)(um hum) one day he said i’ll go for a ride(um hum)(um hum)
one day he said i’ll go for a ride whith a sword and a pistol right by his side(um hum)(um hum) he rode up to miss mousy doo(um hum)(um hum) he rode up to miss mousy door and he knocked and he knocked til his fist got sore(um hum)(um hum)he placed miss mousy on his knee(um hum)(um hum)he placed miss mousy on his knee and he asked miss mousy would she marry me(um hum)(um hum)miss mousy said i can’t do that (um hum)(um hum)miss mousy said i can’t i can’t do that you have to ask my brother rat(um hum)(um hum)brother rat has gone to town(umhum)(um hum)brother rat has gone to town to buy miss mousy a wedding gown(um hum)(um hum)the wedding was held in a big oak tree with corn and rice and blackeyed peas(um hum)(um hum)after that they had some children(um hum)(um hum)after that they had some children they was tall fat skinny and short(um hum)(um hum) thats what i learnd from my father
January 4th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
In the version my mother used to sing, the rat had “two 45s hanging by his side,” and for some reason he courts Miss Muffett instead of Ms. Mouse. Also, they get married “under a sycamore tree.”
February 4th, 2008 at 6:00 am
THANK YOU FOR THIS. I HAVE BEEN TRYIN TO FIND THIS SONG FOR SO LONG. MY FATHER SANG THIS SONG TO ME. ALL MY LIFE IT WAS MY BED TIME STORY. I’M 42 NOW AND I STILL LOVE THIS SONG. KNOW THAT I HAVE THE WORDS TO THE SONG I CAN SING IT TO MY GRAND CHILDREN. AND THEY CAN PASS IT ON TO THERE FAMILY WHEN THEY ARE OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE A FAMILY. AGAIN THANK YOU SO MUCH.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
My Mother Sang It To Me And I Sang It To My Children.
1. There was a little mouse who lived on a hill. um hum umhum
There was a little mouse who lived on a hill. He was rough and tough like buffalo Bill um hum umhum.
2.One day he decided to take a ride um hum umhum. One day he decided to take a ride with two six-shooters by his side um-hum um-hum.
3. He rode and he rode til he came to a house um-hum um-hum He rode and he rode till he came to a house and in that house was Minnie Mouse um-hum um-hum.
4. He strode right up to the kitchen door um-hum um-hum he strode right up to the kitchen door he bowed and scraped his head on the floor um-hum um-hum.
5.Oh Minnie Minnie won’t you marry me um-hum um-hum Oh Minnie Minnie won’t you marry me way down yonder by the old oak tree. um-hum um-hum
6.Without my Uncle Rats consent um-hum um-hum Without my Uncle Rats consent I wouldn’t marry the president um-hum um-hum.
7. Uncle rat gave his consent um-hum um-hum Uncle Rat gave his consent the beavers wrote the publishment.
There is more. I heard Walter Brennen sing it in a western once
lenny
May 21st, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I learned this song at the Chicago Boys Club Camp in Indiana during the summer of 1948. I have sung it many times – to my five children and my grandchildren. I am making a CD of this and other old songs such as Torpedo Jim and The Cooties and the Bedbugs.
The Mouse that Lived on a Hill
There was a little mouse who lived on a hill, uh-huh, uh-huh
There was a little mouse who lived on a hill, uh-huh, uh-huh
There was a little mouse who lived on a hill,
He hustled and bustled like buffalo bill, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh
One day he thought he’d go for a ride, uh-huh, uh-huh
One day he thought he’d go for a ride,
with a sword and a pistol by his side uh-huh, uh-huh uh-huh, uh-huh
He rode up to Miss Mousie’s door uh-huh, uh-huh
He went down to Miss Mousie’s door
and he knocked and he knocked til his knuckles got sore uh-huh, uh-huh
He took Missy Mousie upon his knee uh-huh, uh-huh (repeat)
He took Missy Mousie upon his knee and said,
Missy Mousie will you marry me? uh-huh, uh-huh
Miss Mousie said I can’t do that uh-huh, uh-huh
Miss Mousie said I can’t do that,
I have to ask my Uncle Rat uh-huh, uh-huh
Without my Uncle Rat’s consent uh-huh, uh-huh
Without my Uncle Rat’s consent,
I wouldn’t marry the president uh-huh, uh-huh
Now Uncle Rat has gone to town uh-huh, uh-huh
Now Uncle Rat has gone to town
To buy Miss Mousie a wedding gown uh-huh, uh-huh
The wedding was held at the old oak tree uh-huh, uh-huh
The wedding was held at the old oak tree
With corn on the cob and black eyed peas uh-huh, uh-huh
The first to come was Mr Chick uh-huh, uh-huh
The first to come was Mr Chick
He ate so much that he got sick uh-huh, uh-huh
The next to come was old Doc Fly uh-huh, uh-huh
The next to come was old Doc Fly
He said the Mr Chick would die uh-huh, uh-huh
The last to come was Mr Snake uh-huh, uh-huh
The last to come was Mr Snake
And he wrapped his tail around the cake uh-huh, uh-huh
That’s all there is, there ain’t no more uh-huh, uh-huh
That’s all there is, there ain’t no more
Cause there ain’t
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:25 pm
the song I am looking for has the line, “Oh Minnie, Minnie, Minnie will you marry me, uh hum uh hum, Oh, Minnie, Minnie, Minnie will you marry me, we’ll have hogshead cheese and blackeyed peas, uh hum, uh hum.
December 21st, 2008 at 4:43 pm
This is a old folk song that I learned from my father in Czechoslovakia. All the Czechs sang the song to thier young ones and the other answers are close in many ways. Important differences would be that Miss Chick would not die but instead “just might die”. Alot easier for a child to take. No death in a fun song. After the wedding it continues with…..
For the honeymoon they went to France uhumm uhumm
For the honeymoon they went to France, and that was the end of thier romance uhumm uhumm
They had six kids that looked like rats uhumm uhumm
They had six kids that looked like rats, short skinny tall and fat uhumm uhumm
Thats all there is there ain’t no more uhumm uhumm
Thats all there is there ain’t no more, if I told you more you might get sore uhumm uhumm.
I always wanted to know more with that closing line. But as much as I begged my father the song always ended that way. I still sing this song to my kids and thier kids and they love it.
December 21st, 2008 at 9:04 pm
That’s really interesting. I think that’s how some versions of the song is in English too – leaving the listener wanting more!
If you’d like to send me the Czech song, I’d be happy to post it on Mama Lisa’s World – our site of traditional songs from around the world.
Mama Lisa
March 1st, 2009 at 8:00 pm
My father in law sings it to my kids. His version….
Once there was a mouse on a hill mmmmhmmm mmmmhmmm
Once there was a mouse on a hill as rough and tough as Buffalo Bill
mmm hmm mmmhmm
Now one day he went for a ride mhm mhm
Now one day he went for a ride with a sword and pistol at his side mh
He rode up to miss mouseys door….
He rode up to …. and knocked and knocked till his fist got sore…..
He sat miss mousey on his knee …
He sat miss… and asked her if shed marry me….
Miss mousey said i cant do that….
Miss…. I’d have to ask my brother rat….
Now brother rat he went to town…
Now brother… to buy a dress and wedding gown….
The wedding was held in a big oak tree…
The wedding… with corn and beans and black eyed peas…
For the honeymoon they went to France….
For the … and had 10 kids that looked like rats…
Thats all there is there is no more …
Thats all there is there is no more and if I told you more you might get sore….mmhmmm mmmhmmm
July 29th, 2009 at 12:24 am
Wow! My Grandfather sang this song to me since I was a baby! I always wondered what the exact words were. Thanks!
September 21st, 2009 at 9:46 am
Oh once there was a little mouse, Mhum mhum.
Oh once there was a little mouse who fell in love with Minnie Mouse, Mhum mhum.
He went right up to her kitchen door, Mhum mhum.
He went right up to her kitchen door
And knocked and knocked till his fist got sore, Mhum mhum.
Oh Minnie, Minnie, Minnie will you marry me? Mhum mhum.
Oh Minnie, Minnie, Minnie will you marry me
Way down yonder in the orchard tree? Mhum mhum.
Oh not without Uncle Rat’s consent, Mhum mhum.
Oh not without Uncle Rat’s consent
I wouldn’t even marry the President! Mhum mhum.
Her Uncle Rat gave his consent, Mhum mhum.
Her Uncle Rat gave his consent
The Weasle wrote the publishment. Mhum mhum.
Oh what shall we have for the Wedding Feast? Mhum mhum
Oh what shall we have for the Wedding Feast?
Black eyed peas and hogs head cheese. Mhum mhum.
The first one that came was Uncle Rat, Mhum mhum.
The first one that came was Uncle Rat
With a tail as big as a baseball bat, Mhum mhum.
The next one that came was a rattle snake, Mhum mhum.
The next one that came was a rattle snake
He wrapped himself around the wedding cake, Mhum mhum.
The next one that came was a nimble Flea, Mhum mhum.
The next one that came was a nimble Flea
With a broken wing and a crooked knee, Mhum mhum.
The next one that came was a big fat cow, Mhum mhum.
The next one that came was a big fat cow
She wanted to dance but she didn’t know how! Mhum mhum.
(SLOWLY!)
The last one to come was a big fat cat…….mhum…..mhum
The last one to come was a big fat cat
Who chased and chased after Uncle Rat…. Mhum….mhum
And that was the end of the Wedding Feast, Mhum mhum.
And that was the end of the Wedding Feast with black eyed peas and hogs head cheese, Mhum, mhum, mhum, mhum.
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:59 pm
THESE ARE THE RIGHT WORDS!
There was a mouse who lived on a hill (uh huh, uh huh)
There was a mouse who lived on a haill rough and tough as Buffalo Bill (uh huh, uh huh)
One day he said I’ll take a ride (uh huh, uh huh)
One day he said I’ll take a ride, sword and pistol by my side (uh huh, uh huh)
He rode up to Miss Mousey’s door (uh huh, uh huh)
He rode up to Miss Mousey’s door, knock knock knock till his fist got sore (uh huh, uh huh)
He said Miss Mousey will you marry me (uh huh, uh huh)
He said Miss Mousey will you marry me? No no no I can’t you see (uh huh, uh huh)
You’ll have to ask my mother rat (uh huh, uh huh)
You’ll have to ask my mother rat, short and skinny but she never got fat (uh huh, uh huh)
The had their wedding in a big oak tree (uh huh, uh huh)
They had their wedding in a big oak tree, cornbread, cabbage, and blackeyed peas (uh huh. uh huh)
And guess who made their wedding cake (uh huh. uh huh)
And guess who made their wedding cake, Mr and Mrs Rattlesnake (uh huh, uh huh)
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 am
I am so shocked!!! I am 32 and my grandmother used to sing this to me ever since I was a child. I just had a baby boy and was trying to remember the words to that song, all I can remember is there once was a mouse who lived on a hill mmhmm, mmhmm, and something about buffalo bill. I also remembered the mouse asking Miss mousey to marry him and that he had to ask her uncle rat. So the lyrics that everyone provided has brought back so many memories. Now, I will be able to sing it to my son everynight just like my grandma sang it to me. Ironic because at first I thought that song was something that my Grandmother made up.
November 19th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
wow! My moms used to sing this song to my brothers and i when we were coming up. Now like most songs have many versions. So here’s my moms.
once there was a little mouse that lived on the hill, uh-huh(x2)
once there was a little mouse that lived on a hill that huffed and puffed like buffloa bill, uh-huh(x2
one day he decided to take a ride, uh-huh(x2) one day he decided to take a ride, packed his pistol by his side, uh-huh(x2)
he rode up to miss muffin door, uh-huh(x2)
he rode up to miss muffin door, knocked and knocked until his fist got sore uh-huh(x2)
he said miss muffin upon his knee’s, uh-huh(x2) he said miss muffin upon his knee’s please please marry me, uh-huh(x2)
miss muffin said no no i cant do that, uh-huh(x2)
miss muffin said no no i cant do that you got to ask my brother rat, uh-huh(x2)
my brother rat is gone down town, uh-huh(x2)
my brother rat is gone down town to buy myself a wedding gown, uh-huh(x2)
the wedding will be under a tree, uh-huh(2x)
the wedding will be under a tree cornbread and black-eye pea’s, uh-huh(x2)
the first one there was mr snake, uh-huh(x2)
the first one there was mr.snake, he wrapped his tail all around the cake, uh-huh(x2)
the next one there was mr.cow,uh-huh(x2)
the next one there was mr.cow tried to dance but he didnt know how,uh-huh(x2)
the next one there was greedy chick,uh-huh(x2)
the next one there was greedy chick he ate and ate til he got sick,uh-huh(x2)
the next one there was dr.fly,uh-huh(x2)
the next one there was dr.fly said that, that greedy chick just might die, uh-huh(x2)
the next one there was 4 lil rats, uh-huh(x2)
the next one there was 4 lil rats tall, short, skinny, and fat, uh-huh(x2)
the next one there was mr.bug, uh-huh(x2)
the next one there was mr.bug he sat his seat behind the kool-aid jug,uh-huh(x2)
now thats the end of their romance,uh-huh(x2)
now thats the end of their romance, corn bread and black-eye pea’s, uh-huh(x2)
November 19th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
That’s neat! If you’d like to sing it for us, I’d love to post a recording!
Cheers!
Mama Lisa
December 27th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
This is the version of the song that I learned while in elementary school in the early 60’s. I sang it to my daughter when she was little and she asked me to sing it to her when she was visiting for Christmas.
There was a little mouse that lived on a hill (uh huh, uh huh)
There was a little mouse that lived on a hill
Rough and tough as Buffalo Bill uh huh, uh huh
One day he said I’ll take a ride uh huh, uh, huh
One day he said I’ll take a ride
And stuck his shotgun by his side uh huh, uh huh
He rode up to Miss Mousie’s door uh huh, uh huh
He rode up to Miss Mousie’s door
He knocked and he knocked til his fist got sore uh huh, uh huh
He sat Miss Mousie on his knee uh huh, uh huh
He sat Miss Mousie on his knee
And asked Miss Mousie will you marry me uh huh, uh huh
Miss Mousie said I can’t do that uh huh, uh huh
Miss Mousie said I can’t do that
I have to ask my brother Rat uh huh, uh huh
Now Brother Rat has gone to town, uh huh, uh huh
Now Brother Rat has gone to town
To buy Miss Mousie a wedding gown uh huh, uh huh
Now who will bake the wedding cake, uh huh uh huh
Now who will bake the wedding cake
Mr. and Mrs. Rattlesnake uh huh, uh huh
They had some children that looked like rats, uh huh, uh huh
They had some children that looked like rats,
Some were tall, some skinny, some fat uh huh, uh huh
They took a trip and went to France uh huh, uh huh
They took a trip and went to France
And that was the end of their romance uh huh, uh huh
January 6th, 2010 at 11:15 am
All it takes is for a family to come together, Moms, aunts and uncles with some age on them. One person get the hambone going and sing it. It will be fun!
January 6th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
And if you record it, I’ll post it here!
January 24th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Here is the version that my dad (from Chicago) sang to me back in the 60s.
There was a little mouse that lived on a hill, mm hmm, mm hmm,
There was a little mouse that lived on a hill, mm hmm, mm hmm,
There was a little mouse that lived on a hill, and he rattled and he prattled like Buffalo Bill, mm hmm, mm hmm.
One day he thought he’d go for a ride…with his pistol and his buckler by his side.
He rode up to Miss Mousie’s door…and he knocked and he knocked till his fist got sore.
He sat Miss Mousie on his knee…and he said Miss Mousie will you marry me?
Miss Mousie said I can’t do that… you’ll have to ask my brother, Rat.
But Brother Rat had gone to town… to buy Miss Mousie a wedding gown.
The wedding was held ‘neath the old oak tree… with cabbage and corn and tenderleaf tea.
And after that, they sailed for France… and that’s the end of their romance.
They had four kids who looked like rats… one tall, one short, one skinny, one fat.
And that’s the end, there is no more…if I told you more, you might get sore.
(It’s clear from some of the words that Dad learned an older version of the song–a buckler is a shield that one would carry with a sword–oddly, though, Dad’s version had no sword, but a pistol.)
April 16th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Wow, I cannot believe that I’ve actually found these lyrics again. My Mother used to sing it to me when I was small. She passed away when my daughter was 15 months (shes six now) and I’ve been trying to sing it to her but I can’t get past “you’ll have to ask my brother rat..unhuh,…unhuh..) Thank you all so very much!. I feel like my Mom is standing next to me!
April 23rd, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Check out our newly created song page for There was a Little Mouse Who Lived on a Hill!
If anyone would like to sing this for us, please email me! Mama Lisa
September 26th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Does anyone know where I can find a recording of this song??
It was on NPR tonight and I can’t for the life of me find it.
Thanks!
April 5th, 2011 at 12:40 am
My grandma taught my mom and my mom sang it to us growing up.
There once was a mouse that lived on a hill uh huh uh huh
There once was a mouse that lived on a hill and rumbled and he tumbled like buffalo bill uh huh. uh huh.
One day he thought he’d take a ride uh huh. uh huh.
One day he thought he’d take a ride with his sword and his pistol by his side uh huh. uh huh.
He rode up to miss mousey’s door uh huh. uh huh.
He rode up to miss mousey’s door and he knocked and he knocked till his knuckles got sore uh huh. uh huh.
He say miss mousey on his knee uh huh. uh huh. he sat miss mousey on his knee and he said miss mousey will you marry me uh huh. huh.
miss mousey said no i can’t do that ugh uh ugh uh. mis mousey said no I can’t do that I’ll have to ask my brother rat uh huh. uh huh. well brother rat had gone to town uh huh. uh huh. well brother rat had gone to town to but miss mousey a wedding gown uh huh. uh huh. the wedding was held in a an old oak tree uh huh. uh huh. the wedding was held in an old oak tree with buckeye beans and lollipops uh huh. uh huh. The 1st to come was mr. snake uh huh. uh huh. the 1st to come was mr snake and he wrapped his tail around the cake uh huh. uh huh. the 2nd to come was mrs chick uh huh. uh huh. the 2nd to come ws mrs chick and she ate so much that she got sick uh huh. uh huh. the 3rd to come was mr fly uh huh. uh huh. the 3rd to come was mr fly and he thought that mrd chick would die uh huh. uh huh. and after that they sailed to france uh huh. uh huh. and after that they sailed to france and that was th end of there romance uh huh. uh huh. they had 6 kids that looked like rats uh huh. uh huh. they had 6 kids that looked like rats some sinny some short some thin some fat uh huh. uh huh. So sad to say that thats the end, uh huh uh huh. so sad to say that thats the end, but we can always sing again uh huh. uh huh.
March 7th, 2012 at 10:02 am
My 77 yr old Aunt taught it to me as a child (in the 50s) and I taught it to my son and sang it to my niece and nephews. The version I learned:
There once was a mouse who lived on a hill…um hum, um hum
Rough and tough as Buffalo Bill
He said one day I’ll go for a ride
Sword and musket by his side
He rode right up to Miss Mussie’s door
Knocked and knocked, til his fists got sore
He sat Miss Mussie upon his knee
Said “Miss Mussie won’t you marry me?”
She said “Oh no I can’t do that”, huh uh,huh uh
For For Father Rat has gone to town
To buy Miss Mussie a wedding gown
The wedding was held under big oak tree
With corn bread, cabbage black-eyed peas
And guess who made the wedding cake
Mrs Frog and Mrs Snake
They said one year they went to France
And that’s the end of that romance.
July 20th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
In the ‘Folksong Fake Book’ by Hal Leonard Corp. there are two distinct songs. 1. “It Was a Mouse” Folksong from Nova Scotia (It was a mouse, lived in a well, a hum, There was a mouse lived in a well and there he lived there very well, and lickedy too de fall de day, whack fall de dum; Next come in it was a flea… he fetched a load of tea.l Next come in it was a fly.. he eat so much it made him die, Next come in it was a tick… eat so much it made him sick; … snail, had the bagpipes on his tail; next.. bee, brought the fiddle on his keen.. snack, fetched a load of cake. Big black snack, swamped the land and he was killed by an overgrown man. Overgrown man went to France, a hum… to learn the ladies how to dance.
2. “Froggie Went a Courtin: Folksong from Kentucky. Frog went a courtin and he did ride, a huh… a sword and pistol by his side…. (And he proceeded to marry Miss Mouse (with Uncle Rat’s consent, etc. You have the lyrics in other posts.)
August 31st, 2012 at 3:52 pm
There once was a mouse who lived on a hill, uh-huh, uh-huh
There once was a mouse who lived on a hill
he was rough and tough as buffalo bill, uh-huh, uh-huh
One day he decided to take a ride , uh-huh, uh-huh
One day he decided to take a ride
with a sword and a pistol by his side uh-huh, uh-huh
He rode up to Miss Mousie’s door uh-huh, uh-huh
He rode up to Miss Mousie’s door and
he knocked and he knocked til his fists got sore uh-huh, uh-huh
He took Missy Mousie upon his knee uh-huh, uh-huh
He took Missy Mousie upon his knee and
he said Missy Mousie will you marry me? uh-huh, uh-huh
Miss Mousie said I can’t do that uh-huh, uh-huh
Miss Mousie said I can’t do that,
I have to ask my Brother Rat uh-huh, uh-huh
Now Brother Rat has gone to town uh-huh, uh-huh
Now Brother Rat has gone to town
To buy Miss Mousie a wedding gown uh-huh, uh-huh
The wedding was held at the old oak tree uh-huh, uh-huh
The wedding was held at the old oak tree with
The Rabbit and the snake and the chickadees uh-huh, uh-huh
Now that’s the end of my story uh-huh, uh-huh
Now that’s the end of my story
if I told you any more you’d be tired of me uh-huh, uh-huh
August 31st, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Sorry I made a mistake, should be Frog in place of mouse . I meant to type this:
There once was a frog who lived on a hill, uh-huh, uh-huh
There once was a frog who lived on a hill
he was rough and tough as buffalo bill, uh-huh, uh-huh
One day he decided to take a ride , uh-huh, uh-huh
One day he decided to take a ride
with a sword and a pistol by his side uh-huh, uh-huh
He rode up to Miss Mousie’s door uh-huh, uh-huh
He rode up to Miss Mousie’s door and
he knocked and he knocked til his fists got sore uh-huh, uh-huh
He took Missy Mousie upon his knee uh-huh, uh-huh
He took Missy Mousie upon his knee and
he said Missy Mousie will you marry me? uh-huh, uh-huh
Miss Mousie said I can’t do that uh-huh, uh-huh
Miss Mousie said I can’t do that,
I have to ask my Brother Rat uh-huh, uh-huh
Now Brother Rat has gone to town uh-huh, uh-huh
Now Brother Rat has gone to town
To buy Miss Mousie a wedding gown uh-huh, uh-huh
The wedding was held at the old oak tree uh-huh, uh-huh
The wedding was held at the old oak tree with
The Rabbit and the snake and the chickadees uh-huh, uh-huh
Now that’s the end of my story uh-huh, uh-huh
Now that’s the end of my story
if I told you any more you’d be tired of me uh-huh, uh-huh
February 4th, 2013 at 9:49 pm
i believe the one you are looking for is the one i am.e huffed and puffed like buffalo bill. n something like the wedding was held in the old oak tree they had corn cabbage and black eyedd peas.
May 1st, 2013 at 3:32 pm
My mom sung this to me 50 years ago and now my grandchildren ask for it to be sung prior to going to bed. Great family tradition!
September 8th, 2013 at 1:47 pm
My version is mostly different in the refrain. It was Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba.
There was a little mouse who lived on a hill,
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
There was a little mouse who lived on a hill. Rough and tough like Buffalo Bill,
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
One day he went out for a ride
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
One day he went out for a ride with a sword and a pistol by his side,
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
He went up to Miss Mousey’s door
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
He went up to Miss Mousey’s door and he knocked and he knocked ’till his fists were sore.
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
He sat Miss Mousey on his knee
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
He Sat Miss Mousey on his knee and said Miss Mousey, “Would you marry me?”
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
Miss Mousey said , ” I can’t do that”
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
Miss Mousey said ” I can’t do that, I Have to ask my brother, Rat.”
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
But Brother Rat had gone to town
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
But Brother Rat had gone to town, to buy Miss Mousey a wedding gown.
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
And they were married in a Kickapoo tree(sp?)
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
And they were married in a Kickapoo tree with corn and cabbage and black eyed peas
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
On their honeymoon, the went to France
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
On their honeymoon, the went to France and that was the end of their romance.
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
They had ten children that looked like rats
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
They had ten children that looked like rats, tall and short and skinny and fat,
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
That is the end , there ain’t no more
Hubba Hubba, Hubba Hubba
That is the end , there ain’t no more. If I told you more, you might get sore.
Hubba Hubba……… Hu uu baaaa Hubbba aaaaaa
September 8th, 2013 at 2:26 pm
Thanks for sharing your version! Would you like to sing it for us? :) Mama Lisa
December 5th, 2014 at 6:26 am
I recently lost my dad, he would always sing this to me and my sisters! I looked ALL OVER and found this….here….i could hear his voice and silly faces. Its treasured memlries, the kind electronics can’t give and mystify young mind encouragong them to use listening skills and imagination. Thank you soooo much for sharing this! I will also share with my children.
December 5th, 2014 at 5:40 pm
Sorry to hear about your loss Myra. I’m glad you were able to find your Dad’s song. Best wishes, Lisa
July 17th, 2015 at 6:14 pm
I am 60 years old and remember this song from the first grade!!! I have beeen looking for the words for years. Thanks much!!
January 29th, 2016 at 6:21 am
My Mom sang a variation of this song, that I have been singing to my kids – but it is a bit different:
There was a little mouse who lived on a hill, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
There was a little mouse who lived on a hill, and he walked and he talked like Buffalo Bill, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
Went over to Miss Mousey’s door, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
Went over to Miss Mousey’s door, and he knocked and he knocked till his fist got sore, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
Set Miss Mousey on his knee, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
Set Miss Mousey on his knee, and he asked her, “Will you please marry me?” m-m dadada m-m dadada.
The wedding was held by the big oak tree, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
The wedding was held by the big oak tree, with the birds, and the bees, and the black-eyed peas, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
First to come was Mr. Snake, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
First to come was Mr. Snake, and he wrapped his tail right around the cake, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
Second to come was Mr. Chick, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
Second to come was Mr. Chick, and he ate so much that he got sick, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
Last to come was Dr. fly, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
Last to come was Dr. Fly, and he told us that the poor chick might die, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
That’s the end there is no more, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
That’s the end there is no more, cause if I told you more you might get sore, m-m dadada m-m dadada.
September 9th, 2018 at 10:34 pm
My Dad sang this during our long car rides when we were kids. I sang it to my children to the best if my memory. When I had my first grandchild I asked him to sing it. He said he couldn’t remember the song. I asked him again as the end was coming near and the song just didn’t come to him. Well, I’ve been looking for it since, he passed over 9 years ago.
I woke up overnight with the song in my head and today decided to take a chance and here it is!
Thank you all so much! Seems there is some variation between families but I can now put it together.
Love to all and thanks again!
February 28th, 2019 at 9:23 am
There is a playlist on Spotify named African-American Ballads From Smitonian Folkways.
It starts with that song. I guess its the right one.
https://open.spotify.com/album/5HpIks4k1g5BoZuKaYTXXk