The Farmer in the Dell
Whimsical Dance of Life: The Farmer's Tale Unveiled
Lyrics
The farmer in the dell
The farmer is introduced.
The farmer in the dell
Reiteration of the farmer's presence.
Hi-ho,the derry-o
Expression of work or activity with a rhythmic chant.
The farmer in the dell
Restating the farmer's role.
The farmer takes a wife
The farmer gets married.
The farmer takes a wife
Repetition of the farmer's marital action.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
Rhythmic chant indicating the ongoing story.
The farmer takes a wife
Restating that the farmer is taking a wife.
The wife takes the child
The wife becomes a mother.
The wife takes the child
Reiteration of the wife's role as a parent.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
Rhythmic expression of the continuing narrative.
The wife takes the child
Restating that the wife takes a child.
The child takes the nurse
The child gains a nurse.
The child takes the nurse
Reiteration of the child's new responsibility.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
Rhythmic chant indicating the flow of events.
The child takes the nurse
Restating that the child takes a nurse.
The nurse takes the cow
The nurse acquires a cow.
The nurse takes the cow
Reiteration of the nurse's new possession.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
Rhythmic expression of the story progression.
The nurse takes the cow
Restating that the nurse takes a cow.
The cow takes the dog
The cow now has a dog companion.
The cow takes the dog
Reiteration of the cow's new association.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
Rhythmic chant indicating ongoing developments.
The cow takes the dog
Restating that the cow takes a dog.
The dog takes the cat
The dog gains a cat.
The dog takes the cat
Reiteration of the dog's new companion.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
Rhythmic expression of the story's continuation.
The dog takes the cat
Restating that the dog takes a cat.
The cat takes the mouse
The cat acquires a mouse.
The cat takes the mouse
Reiteration of the cat's new possession.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
Rhythmic chant indicating ongoing events.
The cat takes the mouse
Restating that the cat takes a mouse.
The mouse takes the cheese
The mouse obtains cheese.
The mouse takes the cheese
Reiteration of the mouse's new acquisition.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
Rhythmic expression of the final part of the story.
The mouse takes the cheese
Restating that the mouse takes cheese.
The cheese stands alone
The cheese is left alone.
The cheese stands alone
Reiteration of the cheese standing alone.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
Rhythmic chant signifying the conclusion of the narrative.
The cheese stands alone
Restating that the cheese stands alone.
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