Introduction:
“What Did Delaware?” is a fun and whimsical children’s song filled with clever wordplay and puns. Its playful lyrics revolve around the question, “What did Delaware?” and give amusing, punny responses like “She wore a New Jersey.” The song is part of the larger tradition of educational and entertaining music designed to engage children while teaching them about the U.S. states and their names. This blog post will dive into the lyrics, history, educational value, and cultural significance of “What Did Delaware?”
Lyrics of “What Did Delaware?”
Here’s a common version of the lyrics:
Verse 1:
Oh, what did Delaware, boys?
Oh, what did Delaware?
Oh, what did Delaware, boys?
Oh, what did Delaware?
She wore a brand New Jersey,
She wore a brand New Jersey,
She wore a brand New Jersey,
That’s what she did wear.
Verse 2:
Oh, what did Idaho, boys?
Oh, what did Idaho?
Oh, what did Idaho, boys?
Oh, what did Idaho?
She hoed her Maryland, boys,
She hoed her Maryland,
She hoed her Maryland, boys,
That’s what she did hoe.
Verse 3:
Oh, what did Ioway, boys?
Oh, what did Ioway?
Oh, what did Ioway, boys?
Oh, what did Ioway?
She weighed a Washington, boys,
She weighed a Washington,
She weighed a Washington, boys,
That’s what she did weigh.
Verse 4:
Oh, how did Florida, boys?
Oh, how did Florida?
Oh, how did Florida, boys?
Oh, how did Florida?
She closed the “doah”, boys,
She closed the “doah”,
She closed the “doah”, boys,
That’s what she did doah.
Verse 5:
Oh, where has Oregon, boys?
Oh, where has Oregon?
Oh, where has Oregon, boys?
Oh, where has Oregon?
She’s gone to Oklahoma,
She’s gone to Oklahoma,
She’s gone to Oklahoma,
That’s where she has gone!
Historical Background:
The origins of “What Did Delaware?” are somewhat unclear, but the song is thought to have emerged in the mid-20th century as part of the American tradition of humorous and educational songs for children. It’s likely that it began as a camp song, where simple lyrics, wordplay, and repetition were essential for creating fun, singalong moments that kept children engaged.
The song has been passed down through generations and adapted in various forms. Like many folk songs, it may not have a single author but is part of a collaborative tradition of oral storytelling and music. Its lighthearted nature makes it a staple in schools, summer camps, and road trips, where children can learn about U.S. state names in a humorous and memorable way.
Themes and Meaning:
“What Did Delaware?” is packed with wordplay and puns, making it a delightful way for children to learn geography, state names, and engage with language in a creative manner. Here are some of the key themes:
- Geography Made Fun:
The song turns learning about U.S. states into a game. By pairing state names with humorous wordplay, it helps children memorize state names in a way that feels effortless and fun. - Wordplay and Puns:
The clever puns in the song, like “Delaware” being confused with “What did Delaware (wear),” teach kids about language, word meanings, and the playful nature of English. This kind of humor is perfect for young audiences, helping to develop their understanding of double meanings in words. - Engagement Through Repetition:
The repetitive nature of the song helps reinforce learning. Children are encouraged to sing along, guess the next pun, and memorize the responses, all while enjoying the rhythm and humor.
Educational Value:
“What Did Delaware?” has several educational benefits that make it a great addition to any music or geography lesson:
- Geography and State Names:
The song introduces children to the names of various U.S. states in a fun and interactive way. By associating each state with a pun, it helps children retain the information more effectively. - Language Skills and Wordplay:
The puns in the song are an excellent way to teach children about homophones, word meanings, and how words can have different meanings depending on context. This not only improves vocabulary but also enhances critical thinking and language comprehension. - Memory and Repetition:
The structure of the song, with its repetitive question-answer format, helps children develop memory skills. By singing along, they begin to anticipate the next line and recall state names with ease. - Engagement and Humor:
Humor is a powerful tool for learning. The playful and silly nature of the song keeps children engaged, making them more likely to participate and retain the information.
Cultural Impact:
Although not as well-known as some other children’s songs, “What Did Delaware?” has had a lasting impact in educational settings, summer camps, and family gatherings. It’s been a favorite for teachers and parents looking to combine fun and learning. The song has also been included in various children’s music collections and performed by children’s entertainers over the years.
Its humor and simplicity make it a timeless classic that continues to be passed down through generations, often with new verses or variations added along the way.
Conclusion:
“What Did Delaware?” is a lighthearted and clever song that combines geography, language, and humor in a way that resonates with children. Its use of puns and wordplay not only helps kids memorize U.S. state names but also engages their imagination and sense of humor. Whether sung in the classroom, at a campfire, or during a family road trip, this song is sure to bring smiles while making learning fun.
Fun Facts:
- Playful Puns: Each verse is built around a pun that transforms a U.S. state’s name into a playful question and answer.
- Popular at Camps: The song is often sung in group settings like summer camps, where its repetitive nature makes it easy for kids to join in.
- A Song for Everyone: The song has been adapted in different ways over the years, with new states or variations sometimes added, keeping it fresh for each generation.
“What Did Delaware?” takes a playful approach to learning about geography and language, making it an engaging and memorable experience for children everywhere.