Dingle Dangle Scarecrow
"Dingle Dangle Scarecrow" is a children's song written by Mollie Russell-Smith (lyrics) and her brother Geoffry Russell-Smith (music) who are from England. It was first published as "Wide Awake" in 1964 by Mills Music, London.
The Speks have adapted "Dingle Dangle Scarecrow" to make it sound more like a traditional Irish song. We focus on the scarecrow and increase the tempo of the music to reflect the lively scarecrow who jumps up and shakes his hands and feet at the end of each verse! It is a great sing-along song.
For each chorus we reflect the scarecrow's tone of voice: We sing loud (5 lead voices) for when "he shouted very loud"; We sing quietly (1 lead voice) for when "he whispered very soft"; We sing normally (3 lead voices) for the first chorus because the scarecrow is just saying something in his normal voice.
Finally guitar, mandola, accordion, fiddle and flute play the first part of the Irish traditional reel called "Anderson's". This finale of Irish music symbolises the scarecrow's lively dancing as he shakes his hands and feet!
Click on the "play" arrow above to listen to our version of "Dingle Dangle Scarecrow" set to Irish music. Click on the "share" link above if you would like to tell your friends about it. Click on the "buy" link above to buy this song as an MP3 download for $0.99.
Lyrics for Dingle Dangle Scarecrow
(Original version written by Mollie Russell-Smith, England in 1964)
When all the cows were sleeping
And the sun had gone to bed
Up jumped the scarecrow
And this is what he said
Chorus:
I'm a dingle, dangle scarecrow
With a great big floppy hat
I can shake my hands like this
And I can shake my feet like that
When all the hens were roosting
And the moon behind a cloud
Up jumped the scarecrow
And shouted very loud
Loud Chorus
When dogs were in the kennels
And doves were in the loft
Up jumped the scarecrow
And whispered very soft
Soft Chorus
Loud Chorus
Original Sheet Music for Dingle Dangle Scarecrow
Here is the sheet music (or musical notes) of the original version of "Dingle Dangle Scarecrow" published by Mills Music in London in 1964. This song/publication is currently owned by EMI Harmonies Ltd.
Classroom Ideas for Dingle Dangle Scarecrow
Art: Make a model scarecrow from straw and old household material. Illustrate and paint a scarecrow. Watch an episode of Worzel Gummidge!
Social, Environmental and Scientific Education: What is a scarecrow's function? Are scarecrows still used today? How are they made? Stress the importance of crops. Combine with discussions on farming and the contribution that farmers make to society.
