Story Behind The Song
I had a friend many years ago who used to sing the opening line to this song (also I seem to remember a classic cartoon in which a banjo-playing character did the same). Ultimately, this version is a song about the underdog winning, as well as about the value of diversity (interspecies dating even!).
Song Description
This version of the song has a happier ending than most, where the guy gets the girl and they have a little family. This take is a very fun version with funky second-line style drumming, and Jordannaire-type backing vocals; as well as a duet between male and female parts (representing the frog and the mouse, respectively).
| Song Length |
3:45 |
Genre |
Folk - Rock, Blues - Country |
| Tempo |
Medium Fast (131 - 150) |
Lead Vocal |
Duet Male/Female |
| Mood |
Joyful, Sociable |
Subject |
General, Marriage |
| Similar Artists |
Dr. John, The Traveling Wilburys |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1950 - 1959 |
| |
Lyrics
Froggy Went a Courtin' (Traditional, additional lyrics by Brian Scott Young)
Froggy went a courting and he did ride, uh huh (3 times), with a sword and a pistol by his side, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
He rode up to Miss Mousey's door, uh huh (3 times) Like he had a hundred times before, (etc.)
He said, "Miss Mousey are you within?", uh huh (3 times) She said, "Just lift the latch and come on in.
Froggy got down on his knee, uh huh (3 times). He said, "Miss Mousey will you marry me?"
"Without my uncle Rat's consent, uh huh (3 times) I would not marry the President"
The rat asked where would the wedding be, uh huh (3 times) Said, "Way down yonder in a hollow tree"
"Then what will the wedding supper be, uh huh?" (3 times) Said, "Two string beans and a black-eyed pea."
The old rat said it was OK, uh huh (3 times) so Froggy and Mousey had their wedding day.
So Froggy and Mousey now they do ride, uh huh (3 times) with two little youngin's by their side.