# Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling, My Son John
1797 
England
# Lyrics
Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John,
Went to bed with his trousers on;
One shoe off, and the other shoe on,
Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John.
# History and Meaning
Little is known about the specific origins of this rhyme. It was first published in 'The Newest Christmas Box' in London at the end of the 18th Century. At this time there were volumes of songs published for singers around Christmas.
The song could have been purely made up, or it may have come from dumpling sellers in London. In Britain and Ireland savoury dumplings made from dough and seasoned with salt and pepper were traditionally popular. They may have been made with cheese in the center, and often were dropped into a stew.