Introduction:
“Mairzy Doats” (often spelled “Mares Eat Oats”) is a playful and quirky song that gained widespread popularity in the 1940s. The song’s unique charm comes from its nonsensical-sounding lyrics that, when sung quickly, seem like gibberish. However, when slowed down and analyzed, the song reveals a fun, logical meaning hidden in the words. In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of “Mairzy Doats”, its lyrics, and why it remains a beloved song that delights listeners of all ages.
Lyrics of “Mairzy Doats”
The magic of “Mairzy Doats” lies in its clever wordplay, where the syllables of simple phrases are jumbled to create the illusion of nonsense. Below are the original lyrics, followed by their deciphered meaning:
Chorus:
Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey,
A kiddly divey too, wouldn’t you?
Translated Chorus:
Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy,
A kid’ll eat ivy too, wouldn’t you?
The song repeats this playful refrain, and the simplicity of the lyrics makes it perfect for children’s sing-alongs and interactive performances.
The Origins of “Mairzy Doats”
“Mairzy Doats” was written in 1943 by Milton Drake, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston. The inspiration for the song came from a conversation between Drake and his 4-year-old daughter, who had heard him say, “Mares eat oats and do eat oats.” Her playful misunderstanding of the phrase inspired Drake to write the song.
The song’s novelty lies in its “nonsense” lyrics which are actually a form of phonetic wordplay. When sung quickly, the words sound strange, but when broken down, the meaning becomes clear.
“Mairzy Doats” was recorded by the Merry Macs in 1943 and became an instant hit, reaching #1 on the pop charts in 1944. Its catchy, upbeat rhythm and whimsical lyrics made it a favorite during World War II, providing a lighthearted distraction from the hardships of the time.
Cultural Impact of “Mairzy Doats”
- A Wartime Hit:
During the 1940s, “Mairzy Doats” provided a sense of humor and joy, which was much needed during the difficult years of World War II. Its nonsensical nature brought smiles to the faces of soldiers and civilians alike. - Children’s Song:
Although initially a hit with adults, “Mairzy Doats” quickly became popular with children because of its sing-song nature and easy-to-remember lyrics. The playful wordplay appeals to children’s love for rhymes and puzzles. - Enduring Popularity:
Even after its initial release, “Mairzy Doats” has remained a nostalgic favorite. It’s been covered by various artists and has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, making it a staple of American pop culture.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
While “Mairzy Doats” may sound like nonsense, it is, in fact, a coded message using phonetic play. The original phrase—”mares eat oats, and does eat oats, and little lambs eat ivy”—was deliberately twisted into a playful string of syllables that, when spoken quickly, make little sense. However, once you know the trick, the song reveals itself as a clever, simple observation about animals and their eating habits.
The phrase “a kid’ll eat ivy too, wouldn’t you?” refers to a baby goat (“kid”) who would also eat ivy, adding a touch of humor and engagement for listeners.
Why “Mairzy Doats” is Fun for Kids
- Phonetic Play:
Kids love wordplay and the silliness of the phonetic twists in “Mairzy Doats”. The fun lies in figuring out what the song is really saying, making it both a puzzle and a playful rhyme. - Catchy and Repetitive:
The repetition of the lyrics makes it easy for children to memorize and sing along. This repetitive structure helps with language development and improves listening skills. - Sing-Along Appeal:
Because of its upbeat tempo and singable lyrics, “Mairzy Doats” is perfect for group activities, whether in a classroom or at home. It encourages participation and interaction as children try to mimic the funny-sounding words. - Stimulates Imagination:
The whimsical imagery of animals eating oats and ivy sparks children’s imagination. The song doesn’t just entertain but also invites children to think creatively about animals and nature.
Educational Benefits of “Mairzy Doats”
- Language Development:
The phonetic nature of the song helps children learn about how different sounds make up words. They are exposed to how language can be manipulated to create new meanings, improving both their vocabulary and understanding of phonics. - Cognitive Skills:
Figuring out the “hidden” meaning in the lyrics encourages critical thinking. Children have to listen carefully and decode the words, strengthening their problem-solving skills. - Musical Appreciation:
“Mairzy Doats” introduces children to fun and lighthearted music. It’s a great way to foster a love for rhythm, melody, and the joy of singing.
Fun Activities with “Mairzy Doats”
- Decoding Wordplay:
After singing the song, ask children to try to figure out what the lyrics mean. You can break it down for them and then have them create their own versions of phonetic wordplay. - Sing and Dance:
Play the song and encourage children to dance along. The upbeat rhythm makes it perfect for movement activities, allowing kids to express themselves physically while singing. - Animal-Themed Crafts:
Since the song is about animals, you can pair it with a craft activity where children create their own drawings or cutouts of mares, does, lambs, and ivy. - Memory Game:
Play a memory game where you recite the song and then pause at certain points, asking children to complete the line. This helps improve recall and keeps the activity interactive.
Conclusion:
“Mairzy Doats” (Mares Eat Oats) is a delightful song that has stood the test of time due to its unique wordplay and catchy tune. From its origins as a wartime hit to its lasting appeal as a children’s favorite, the song continues to bring smiles and laughter to listeners. Whether you’re singing it for fun, using it as an educational tool, or just enjoying its whimsical nature, “Mairzy Doats” is a timeless classic that invites everyone to join in the fun of decoding its clever lyrics.
Fun Fact:
- Pop Culture Appearances: “Mairzy Doats” has appeared in various TV shows and movies, including the classic series MASH* and films like Hearts of the West, proving its enduring popularity across generations.
“Mairzy Doats”—a fun and quirky song that brings wordplay and joy to everyone who listens!