Because of the way it has been used on television, people think this song belongs to Newcastle-on-Tyne, but it has been known in Scotland for a very long time and is sung with different words by different people. Sometimes it is 'Ye'll get a fishie, my little missie'.

A 'whippie' was used to whip a wooden top so it would spin.

A 'souple tam' is a wooden doll with limbs that are jointed so they can move.

Dance tae yer daddy, ma bonnie laddie
Dance tae yer daddy, ma bonnie lamb.

And ye'll get a fishie, in a little dishie.
Ye'll get a fishie when the boat comes hame.

Ye'll get a herrin aa tae yersel
An you'll get a whippie and a souple tam.

Ye'll get a fishie, in a little dishie.
Ye'll get a fishie when the boat comes hame.

Dance tae yer daddy, ma bonnie laddie
Dance tae yer daddy, ma bonnie lamb.

'Dance Tae Yer Daddy', performed by Ewan McVicar. Recorded for Learning and Teaching Scotland for Scotland’s Songs.