Jog On, Jog On

Few nursery rhymes can claim a first appearance in Shakespeare, but "Jog On, Jog On" can. A rogue peddler sings it in The Winter's Tale, and its message is plain: a cheerful walker covers the miles, while a glum one is worn out within one.

Origins

The song has its earliest documented appearance in William Shakespeare's 1611 play, The Winter's Tale, where it is sung in Act IV, Scene III by the character Autolycus, a rogue and peddler. However, the melody is likely older. The tune was published under the name "Hanskin" in John Playford's collection of country dance tunes, The Dancing Master, in 1651. It was also arranged for the keyboard by composer Giles Farnaby in the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book around the same period.

Meaning & Interpretation

The lyrics offer practical advice for a traveler. The phrase "jog on" means to keep walking or moving forward at a steady pace. The word "hent" is an archaic English term meaning to seize or take hold of, so to "hent the stile" means to climb over a wooden steps-barrier. The song contrasts two approaches to a journey. A traveler with a happy disposition can walk all day, while someone who is sad or discouraged will grow tired after walking just a mile.

The rhyme is often used in schools to introduce Shakespearean language and historical vocabulary. It promotes a philosophy of cheerful resilience, suggesting that optimism and good humor make difficult journeys much easier to endure.

Who wrote the song Jog On Jog On?

The song is a traditional English folk tune. Its earliest documented version was recorded by William Shakespeare, who included it in his 1611 play The Winter's Tale.

What is the historical meaning of the phrase jog on?

In the seventeenth century, to jog on meant to continue walking at a steady, patient pace. The song uses this phrase to encourage perseverance through obstacles.