On the Origin of Yankee Doodle

Abstract

CURIOUSLY enough the origin of this tune and the derivation of the words 'Yankee Doodle' have never been determined with certainty. The tune is an old one and has been recognized variously-as an air of the medieval church,' an English nursery rhyme, a bit of Cavalier doggerel verse deriding Cromwell,2 a national dance of the Magyars, an old French vintage song, 'the heroic Danza Esparta, .... of brave old Biscay,'3 and as a Dutch reapers' song.4 In all probability the first American version was written by Dr. Richard Schuckburgh, an army surgeon with the British forces who in 1755, in conjunction with colonial troops, were operating against the French in Northern New York. Despite Braddock's defeat the British regulars still held the colonials in great contempt and the tune was a conscious effort to ridicule the latter.5 However, it was taken up by the colonials and became very popular during the Revolution. It is recorded that Percy's troops, on their way to Lexington and Concord, marched out of Boston to the tune.6 The various authorities cite many other instances of the playing and singing of 'Yankee Doodle' during and immediately after the Revolution.7 Webster's Dictionary states that the air was heard under its present name in Samuel Arnold's opera 'Two to One' which was presented in London in 1784As to the derivation of the word 'Yankee' many suggestions have been brought forward. According to the New English Dictionary the two earliest