"Donkey Riding" (Roud 4540) is a traditional work song or sea shanty originally sung in Canada, Scotland and the Northeastern United States. It has also become popular as a children's song. [1] The earliest written record of the song dates to 1857. [2] The tune and words are an adaptation of "Highland Laddie". [2] It is generally, but not universally, [1] agreed that the "donkey" of the song title is a reference to the steam donkey, a kind of general-purpose steam engine. [3] Stan Hugill, a sea-music historian, said that he had been informed that the song was also sung in the Gulf Ports as well as being popular at sea. [4]
