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My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean is a gentle and melodic nursery rhyme that speaks about missing someone dear who is far away. Its slow rhythm and repeated lines make it easy for children to sing along and remember the words. Kids enjoy the rhyme because of its musical flow, playful clapping pauses, and the fun of singing together in groups. For young learners, this rhyme supports early language development by improving listening skills, memory, and pronunciation. The repeated structure helps children recognize patterns in words and sounds, which is an important early literacy skill. Parents and teachers also love using this rhyme during circle time, travel activities, or calm moments, as it creates a soothing and joyful learning experience for little ones.
My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean Song Lyrics
This classic song is often shared during group singing time, and the My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean words are loved for their repetition and easy rhythm.
My Bonnie lies over the ocean
My Bonnie lies over the sea
My Bonnie lies over the ocean
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me…
Bring back, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Bring back, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me
O blow ye winds over the ocean
o blow ye winds over the sea
O blow ye winds over the ocean
and bring back my Bonnie to me
Bring back, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Bring back, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me
Last night as I lay on my pillow
Last night as I lay on my bed
Last night as I lay on my pillow
I dreamt that my Bonnie was dead
Bring back, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Bring back, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me
The winds have blown over the ocean
The winds have blown over the sea
The winds have blown over the ocean
And brought back my Bonnie to me
Bring back, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Bring back, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me
Other Versions of the My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean Song
Over the years, this rhyme has been sung in a few playful and musical variations.
Some versions include extra verses that describe where Bonnie has gone, while others are action-based versions where children clap or stand up whenever the word “Bonnie” is sung. In classroom settings, teachers often slow down or speed up the tune to make the song more interactive and fun.
Alternate Version
My Bonnie lies over the ocean,
My Bonnie lies over the sea,
My Bonnie lies over the ocean,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me, to me,
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.
Last night as I lay on my pillow,
Last night as I lay on my bed,
Last night as I lay on my pillow,
I dreamed that my Bonnie was dead.
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me, to me,
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.
Gestures – How to My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean to kids
Using actions makes the rhyme more engaging and helps children connect words with movement.
- Stretch both arms wide when singing “over the ocean” to show the wide sea in front of you.
- Point far away when saying “over the sea” to help children understand distance.
- Place a hand over the heart when singing about Bonnie to show care and affection.
- Clap gently on the words “bring back” to highlight the repeated phrase.
- Rock side to side slowly to match the calm rhythm of the song.
- Encourage children to stand up and sit down on each “Bonnie” to add playful movement.
History & Quick Facts
My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean is a traditional Scottish folk song that dates back to the 18th century. The word “Bonnie” means beautiful or dear in Scottish language, and the song is believed to express longing for a loved one who is far away. While the exact author is unknown, the rhyme became popular through oral tradition and later appeared in songbooks during the 19th century. Over time, it traveled across countries and became a favorite children’s rhyme, especially known for its use in group singing and action games.
Interesting Facts
- The word “Bonnie” comes from Scotland and means pretty or loved.
- The tune is often used for clapping and stand-up games in classrooms.
- The rhyme is popular in English-speaking countries around the world.
- It has been translated into several languages for children’s music collections.
- The song is often sung during camps and group activities because it is easy to remember.
- Many people learn this rhyme as a fun action song rather than just a listening rhyme.
Suitable age & Learnings
This rhyme is ideal for children aged 3 to 7 years and works well in both home and classroom settings. Its gentle pace and repetition support multiple early learning skills.
- Builds listening skills as children follow the repeated lines carefully.
- Supports memory development through predictable and recurring verses.
- Encourages musical awareness by introducing rhythm and melody.
- Helps vocabulary growth with simple words like ocean, sea, and bring.
- Improves coordination when paired with clapping and movement actions.
- Promotes social bonding when sung together in groups.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyme scheme of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean?
The rhyme follows a simple AABB pattern that makes it easy for children to remember and sing.
2. Why is this rhyme often used with actions?
Actions help children stay engaged and make learning the words more fun and interactive.
My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean is a timeless nursery rhyme that continues to charm children with its soft melody and heartfelt words. Its simple structure makes it easy for young learners to join in, even after hearing it just a few times. The rhyme supports early language, memory, and musical skills in a gentle and enjoyable way. With added gestures, it becomes an active learning experience that children truly enjoy. Parents and teachers can use this rhyme during calm moments or group activities to create a warm atmosphere. Overall, it remains a beautiful example of how traditional songs can support joyful early learning.
