The Princess Pat song is a popular tune among Scouts. It is often sung at campfires and gatherings. The song is fun and easy to remember, making it a favorite in Scouting activities.
The song is based on Princess Patricia of Connaught, a real person from history. She was related to the British royal family. The song mentions her and a flag called the Ric-A-Dam-Doo, which she helped design.
The Princess Pat song captures the spirit of fun and adventure that is important in Scouting. It teaches Scouts to enjoy singing together and learn about teamwork and history in a simple way.
Historical Background
Princess Patricia of Connaught was a member of the British Royal Family. She was known for her creativity and interest in the military. She became the Colonel-in-Chief of a new Canadian infantry regiment in 1914. This regiment was named in her honor, becoming known as Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
Princess Pat played a special role in the history of this regiment. She personally designed and made their flag. This flag, known as the Ric-A-Dam-Doo, or Cloth of Your Mother, was a crimson flag with a purple circle in the middle. Inside the circle, there were gold initials “VP,” which stood for Victoria Patricia.
The Ric-A-Dam-Doo was more than just a flag; it was a symbol of pride and unity for the regiment. It was carried into every battle the regiment fought in during World War I. This made it a significant piece of the regiment’s identity and history.
The Princess Pat Song
Listen to the tune here. The actions are indicated next to each line below.
This is a repeat after me song
This is a repeat after me song 🙂
The Princess Pat (make a crown on your head with your hands)
Lived in a tree (put your arms up to make a tree)
She sailed across (move your hands in a wavy motion)
The seven seas (hold up seven fingers)
She sailed across (waves with hands again)
the channel too (hold up two fingers)
and took with her (act like your are pulling something)
a Ric-A-Dam-Doo (walk like an Egyptian)
Refrain:
A Ric-A-Dam-Doo(walk like an Egyptian)
Now what is that? (make an I don’t know gesture with your hands)
Its something made (hammering motion)
By the Princess Pat (repeat crown motion)
Its red and gold (hand on right hip)
and purple too (point to the left)
That’s why its called (put hands in front of mouth)
a Ric-A-Dam-Doo (walk like an Egyptian)
Now Captain Jack (stand at attention)
and his loyal crew (salute)
They sailed across (move your hands in a wavy motion)
the channel too (hold up two fingers)
but their ship sank (sink down)
and your’s will too (point to the audience)
if you don’t take (act like you are pulling something)
a Ric-A-Dam-Doo (walk like an Egyptian)
Repeat refrain
Now Captain Kirk (make muscle arms)
he was no jerk (wave your finger like you are saying no)
And Mr. Spock (hold your fingers up by your ears)
he was no jock (wave your finger like you are saying no)
But their ship flew (make a flying motion)
and yours will too (hold up two fingers)
If you just bring (act like you are pulling something)
a Ric-A-Dam-Doo (walk like an Egyptian)
Repeat refrain
More Resources
More Songs
This resource is great for finding songs to sing at Scout meetings, campfires, or other gatherings. Each song includes lyrics and often some background information or tips on how to sing it. This makes it easy for Scouts and leaders to learn and enjoy a variety of songs together. Princess Pat is one of the songs listed among many others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Princess Pat?
Princess Pat was Princess Patricia of Connaught, a member of the British Royal Family. She was known for her support of a Canadian infantry regiment, which was named after her.
What is the Ric-A-Dam-Doo?
The Ric-A-Dam-Doo is a flag that Princess Pat designed for the Canadian regiment named in her honor. It is a crimson flag with a purple circle in the middle that has the initials “VP” for Victoria Patricia.
Is the Princess Pat song historically accurate?
No, the Princess Pat song is not completely accurate. It takes creative liberties for fun and is meant to be entertaining rather than a true historical recount.
What are other names for the Ric-A-Dam-Doo?
The Ric-A-Dam-Doo, the flag designed by Princess Pat, is sometimes referred to in other ways, especially in the song Princess Pat. Some variations are Rickadandoo and Rickabamboo.
Heading Off with the Princess Pat
The Princess Pat song continues to be a cherished part of Scouting traditions. It brings fun and camaraderie to campfires and gatherings. Scouts enjoy the rhythm and the challenge of the song’s unique lyrics, which makes it memorable and engaging for all ages.
Princess Pat and the story of the Ric-A-Dam-Doo add an interesting historical layer to the song. While the details in the song might not be exactly true, they encourage curiosity about history and the significance of symbols like the Ric-A-Dam-Doo. This helps Scouts connect with broader themes of heritage and valor.
Ultimately, the enduring popularity of the Princess Pat song in Scouting underscores the value of storytelling in creating community and tradition. It’s a fun way for Scouts to feel connected to a larger story, while enjoying the simple pleasures of singing and spending time together outdoors.
Leave a Reply