Heigh Ho, Nobody Home

Round for Singing

Heigh Ho, Nobody Home (also known as Hey Ho, Nobody's Home) is easy, vigorous, and beautiful -- a good introduction to harmony by way of singing rounds for beginning singers. Here is free vocal sheet music and guitar tabs for the round in several keys.

"Heigh, ho, nobody home" (breath)

"Meat, nor drink, nor money have I none" (BIG BREATH)

"Yet, I will be merry, very merry, Heigh, ho" (ANOTHER BIG BREATH)

"nobody home..." (breath)

The reason for such a long third phrase is because of the fast notes at the end of the sentence "very merry". I don't want any gasps, or late entrances on the return to the beginning with "Heigh, ho."

In this simple little singing round there is also an introduction to good articulation. I ask my students to OVER-emphasize the final consonants of "meat" and "drink," separating out the words a bit, but without taking a breath. Doing this gives a little "punch" to the rhythm, as well.

I pronounce "heigh" like the word "hi." Personal preference, probably because that's how I learned it as a child. Some people say "hay, ho." That's fine. And I have seen the round spelled other ways: "Hi, ho," and "Hey, ho."

The tune is almost identical to "Rose, Rose, Rose, Rose, when will I see thee wed."

Now here is the guitar tab versions for Heigh Ho:



Download Hey Ho for guitar in Am
Download Hey Ho for guitar in Dm
Download Hey Ho for guitar in Em


This is a fun song for guitar because it uses only two chords, back and forth and back and forth, like a practice routine, but with a great melody and rhythm.

Here is a funny video made by some high school kids and a clarinet, playing Heigh Ho, Nobody Home. It's worth a watch!



I hope you and your students enjoy this gem among singing rounds!

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