Full Lyrics
Oh, the grand old Duke of York,
He had ten thousand men;
He marched them up to the top of the hill,
And he marched them down again.
And when they were up, they were up,
And when they were down, they were down,
And when they were only halfway up,
They were neither up nor down!
About This Song
"The Grand Old Duke of York" is a well-known English nursery rhyme and marching song. Children stand up when the soldiers go "up," sit down when they go "down," and bob halfway for "only halfway up."
The rhyme is thought to reference the Duke of York and Albany (1763–1827), who commanded British forces. However, similar verses have been traced back even further in English folk tradition.
It's a brilliant action song for teaching directional concepts (up, down, halfway), following instructions, and burning off energy. The marching rhythm makes it irresistible for young children.