"The Singing Game," Iona and Peter Opie, say the game was first reported from Edinburgh in the 1820s, as "Janet Jo."
Janet lies on her back behind the scenes. The father and mother stand up and receive the visits of the lover, who comes forward singing:
I've come to court Janet jo, etc.,
How's she the day?
The movements are continued, until "Janet jo's dead and gane," etc.
"She'll never come hame!" She is carried off, everybody weeping. Sometimes she revives, to their great joy.
Similar games are played in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Spain and Russia.