And the German versions lack the ritualistic pause, accompanied by a double nod, before the final monosyllabic clincher of each verse, which my informant insisted was so essential a part of the performance of the song among his friends. What, I wonder, if any, was the significance of this? Can anyone think of any other children's songs which, while not explicitly associated with skipping, bouncing, or any specific game or other such rituals, have a similar sort of associated gestural rite?