Rig-a-Jig-Jig is a popular nineteenth-century silly song where a young man encounters a pretty girl. It is useful for

singing game A singing game is an activity based on a particular verse or rhyme, usually associated with a set of actions and movements. As a collection, they have been studied by folklorists, ethnologists, and psychologists and are seen as important part of ...

s since it is a familiar tune that can be used by activity leaders even if there are no available musicians.

Uses

The song can be used for various activities. It is used for single-circle games. It can also be used to encourage kids to choose a partner in

children's games This is a list of games that used to be played by children, some of which are still being played today. Traditional children's games do not include commercial products such as board games but do include games which require props such as hopscotch ...

. In this set-up the players are arranged in a circle. A "young man" then moves inside the circle while singing the song. On the "a pretty girl I chanced to meet" line, he bows to one of the members of the circle (which can be termed as "pretty ladies"). If the pretty lady sings "a nice young man" then they join hands in the chorus and move together. The process is repeated with a new young man until all players are partnered.

Lyrics

I. As I was walking down the street Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho, II. a pretty girl (or a nice young man) I chanced to meet Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho III. Rig a jig jig and away we go, away we go, away we go. Rig a jig jig and away we go, Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho, Heigh ho

References

19th-century songs Children's games Novelty songs Cumulative songs {{song-stub