Hickory Dickory Dock
The Montreal Children's Workshop Lyrics


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Hickory Dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock,
The clock struck one
The mouse ran down,
Hickory Dickory dock.

Hickory Dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock,
The clock struck two
And down he flew,
Hickory Dickory dock.

Hickory Dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock,
The clock struck three
And he did flee,
Hickory Dickory dock.

Hickory Dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock,
The clock struck four,
He hit the floor,
Hickory Dickory dock.

Hickory Dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock,
The clock struck five,
The mouse took a dive,
Hickory Dickory dock.

Hickory Dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock,
The clock struck six,
That mouse, he split,
Hickory Dickory dock.

Hickory Dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock,
The clock struck seven,
8, 9, 10, 11,
Hickory Dickory dock.

Hickory Dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock,
As twelve bells rang,
The mousie sprang,
Hickory Dickory dock.

Hickory Dickory dock,
"Why scamper?" asked the clock,
"You scare me so




I have to go!
Hickory Dickory dock."

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Hickory Dickory Dock is a simple and classic children's song that tells the story of a playful mouse who ran up and down a clock. Each verse follows a similar pattern, where the mouse runs up the clock, the clock strikes a certain hour, and the mouse either runs down or takes a dive. The repetitive nature of the song appeals to young children, and the easy-to-remember lyrics make it a favorite for parents and teachers to sing along with their kids.


However, on closer inspection, the song can also be interpreted metaphorically. The mouse represents disobedient behavior, and the clock symbolizes authority or parental figures. With each hour that passes, the clock strikes a warning to the mouse to behave or face the consequences. In the end, when the clock asks the mouse why it is scampering all around, the mouse is frightened and runs away. This could be interpreted as a message to children to listen to authority and be obedient, or else face the consequences.


Overall, the simple but catchy lyrics of Hickory Dickory Dock continue to entertain and educate young children, whether it's through the story of a playful mouse or a lesson in obedience.


Line by Line Meaning

Hickory Dickory dock
The beginning of each verse, serving to introduce the story.


The mouse ran up the clock
The mouse climbed up the clock, perhaps in search of food or adventure.


The clock struck one
The clock chimed once, indicating the passing of time.


The mouse ran down
The mouse hurried back down the clock, possibly frightened by the noise of the chime.


Hickory Dickory dock
The repeated introduction, signaling a new verse.


The clock struck two
Another hour passed, represented by the clock's chime.


And down he flew
The mouse quickly descended the clock, perhaps enjoying the thrill of the climb and descent.


Hickory Dickory dock
The familiar refrain, indicating the continuation of the story.


The clock struck three
Once again, the clock chimed to mark the passing of time.


And he did flee
The mouse quickly ran away, possibly spooked by the noise or some other danger.


Hickory Dickory dock
The repeated refrain, used to structure the song and create a sense of rhythm.


The clock struck four
Another hour passed, and the clock struck again.


He hit the floor
The mouse fell down from the clock, perhaps losing his grip or being knocked loose by the clock's movement.


Hickory Dickory dock
The repetition of the refrain, emphasizing the cyclical nature of time and the story.


The clock struck five
As the clock chimed again, the mouse once again began to climb.


The mouse took a dive
The mouse jumped off the clock, perhaps in search of a better vantage point or to escape danger.


Hickory Dickory dock
The refrain returns once again, anchoring the song and providing structure.


The clock struck six
The clock continued to mark each hour, and the mouse continued his adventures up and down the clock.


That mouse, he split
The mouse ran away quickly, perhaps sensing danger or simply growing tired of his game.


Hickory Dickory dock
The repetition of the refrain, helping to build anticipation and rhythm in the song.


The clock struck seven
Time continued to pass, marked by the clock's chimes.


8, 9, 10, 11
The clock chimed for each hour as it passed, with the mouse presumably still climbing and exploring.


Hickory Dickory dock
The final repetition of the refrain, signaling the end of the song.


As twelve bells rang
The clock chimed twelve times, signaling the end of the day and the beginning of a new one.


The mousie sprang
The mouse jumped up and down, perhaps celebrating the passage of time or his successful adventures.


Hickory Dickory dock
The last repetition of the refrain, concluding the story and the song.


"Why scamper?" asked the clock,
The clock spoke to the mouse, curious about his constant climbing and running.


"You scare me so
The clock expressed fear over the mouse's behavior, which may have been disruptive or disconcerting.


I have to go!
The clock decided to leave, perhaps to avoid further disturbance or to seek safety.


Hickory Dickory dock.
The final repetition of the refrain, bringing the song to a close.




Writer(s): Howard Mandolph

Contributed by Hailey L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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