Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush

Practice cheerful, rhythmic melody
Develop steady 6/8 time feel
Master playful articulation

About This Song

Origin: Traditional English children's song (19th century)

Difficulty: Beginner

Notes Used: D, E, F#, G, A, B

Time Signature: 6/8

Key: D Major

Fingering Review

Full Song

A lively children's game song with a bouncing 6/8 rhythm. Perfect for developing a dancing, lilting feel!

Traditional chorus:

Here we go round the mulberry bush,
The mulberry bush, the mulberry bush,
Here we go round the mulberry bush,
On a cold and frosty morning.

Practice Tips

6/8 time: Feel the rhythm as TWO big beats per measure (1-2-3, 4-5-6)
Bouncy character: This is a playful dance - keep it light and energetic
Clear articulation: Use crisp tonguing for the eighth notes
Repetition: The melody repeats - perfect for memorization!

Practice Exercises

Practice feeling the 6/8 rhythm on one note.

Master the ascending opening phrase.

Practice the smooth descending phrase.

Practice the D major triad pattern.

Put together the first phrase.

Historical Context

Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush is a traditional English singing game that dates back to at least the 19th century. Some historians believe it originated at Wakefield Prison in England, where female prisoners would exercise around a mulberry tree in the yard. The song became a popular children's game where players dance in a circle, acting out various daily activities mentioned in the verses (washing clothes, brushing teeth, etc.). The simple, repetitive melody and 6/8 time signature give it a natural dancing quality. It remains one of the most beloved children's songs in the English-speaking world and is often one of the first songs children learn.

Performance Goal: Play this with energy and a bouncing, dance-like character. The 6/8 rhythm should feel natural and the articulation should be crisp and playful.

Next Steps

Once you can play The Mulberry Bush confidently, try:

Playing it faster to match a lively dance tempo
Adding staccato for extra bounce on the eighth notes
Learning "London Bridge" which has a similar cheerful character