Notes & Queries Archive
REPLY1850

"A Frog he would a-wooing go."

By R. S. S.

In answer to the inquiry of "B.G.J." (in No. 25, p. 401.), as to the origin of "'Heigh ho!' says Rowley," I do not think it is older that thirty of thirty-five years, when Liston sang an altered version of the very old song,— "A frog, he would a-wooing ride, With sword and buckler by his side," and instead of the usual chorus[5], inserted "Heigho, says Rowley," as burthen. Liston's song was published by Goulding and Co., Soho Square, entitled "The Love-sick Frog," with an original air by C.E.H., Esq. (*qy.* Charles Edward Horn?), and an accompaniment by Thomas Cook. The first verse is as follo…

Topics: Victorian Songs, Nursery Rhymes, Music Publishing

Locations: Soho Square