Initially titled Marry Doats or Mairzy Doats, Mares Eats Oats is a novelty song that was rewritten by Milton Drake, Jerry Livingston, and Al Hoffman in 1943. It became such a huge hit that it was sung by the Forces in World War II and it was even chosen as a password in a Star Trek episode!
Although the song hails from the 10th century, its origins are in an old English nursery rhyme that has been passed down through the generations, with no original author being recognized for this popular rhyme. It has a melodic construction that makes it easy to recite and remember, even for younger children.
The story that is shared tells us that the original composer’s young daughter returned from school one day having jumbled up lyrics to the old rhyme, which is what is said to have inspired the Mares Eats Oats version that later became the famous song we know today.
Mares Eats Oats Lyrics
I know a ditty nutty as a fruitcake
Goofy as a goon and silly as a loon
Some call it pretty,
others call it crazy
But they all sing this tune:
Mairzy doats and dozy doats
And liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn’t you?
Yes! Mairzy doats and dozy doats
and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn’t you?
If the words sound queer
And funny to your ear,
A little bit jumbled and jivey
Sing “Mares eat oats
And does eat oats
And little lambs eat ivy”
Oh! Mairzy doats and dozy doats
And liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn’t you?
A kiddley divey too, wouldn’t you?
Mares Eats Oats Music Sheet
