Sing – An Austrian Went Yodeling – Youth Activity Archive

A cumulative song with silly gestures that build up with each verse.

This song has movements – see recordings to learn the traditional movements.

Printed Sheet Music

Arrangement by Beth Thompson

Recordings

Lyrics

Chorus:
Yo… La… De… <drum roll on knees>
Yo De Le He Hee, <clap hand in circular motion>
Yo De Le He Hoo, <clap hand in circular motion>
<Add in Words and Actions from each verse>
Yo De Le He Hee, <clap hand in circular motion>
Yo De Le He Hoo, <clap hand in circular motion>
<Add in Words and Actions from each verse>
Yo De Le He Hee, <clap hand in circular motion>
Yo De Le He Hoo, <clap hand in circular motion>
<Add in Words and Actions from each verse>
Yo De Le He Hee, <clap hand in circular motion>
Oh Lay! <clap hand in circular motion>

Sing each Verse followed by the Chorus:

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came an avalanche interrupting his cry.

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came a skier interrupting his cry.

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came a grizzly bear interrupting his cry.

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came a Saint Bernard interrupting his cry.

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came a milking cow interrupting his cry.

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came a pretty girl interrupting his cry.
(Alternative – “Someone they loved” instead of “pretty girl”)

Actions:

Avalanche: Rumble, Rumble <Rotate fists around each other>
Skier: Swish <Swooping motion with hand>
Grizzly Bear: Grrr <Make clawing motion>
Saint Bernard: Arf, Arf <Place hands on head like dog ears and open close one on each Arf>
Milking Cow: Tch, Tch <Make milking motion on each Tch>
Pretty Girl/Someone they loved: ‘Smooching sound’, ‘Smooching sound’ <Make kissing motion with lips on each ‘Smooching sound’>

Variations:

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came a Koo-Koo bird interrupting his cry.

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came an alien interrupting his cry.

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came a Boogie Man interrupting his cry.

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came the Preacher interrupting his cry.

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came a Girl Scout interrupting his cry.

Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on a mountaintop high,
When along came the Fonz interrupting his cry.

Actions:

Koo-Koo Bird: Koo-koo <Snap fingers>
Alien: Beep, Beep <Place hands on head like antennae, and flick one on each Beep>
Boogie Man: Lo, lo, lo, lo, lo <Wave arms in spooky manner>
The Preacher: Amen! <Hand over heart>
Girl Scout: Coo-kies! <Stuffing cookies into mouth>
The Fonz: Ayyyyy! <Thumbs up>

History

“An Austrian Went Yodeling” is a traditional cumulative action song that became a staple of American campfire programs in the mid-20th century. It is designed to test the coordination, memory, and comedic timing of the performers through “interruption humor.”

Each verse introduces a new character that “interrupts” the yodeler’s cry. This requires the group to perform an ever-growing sequence of synchronized sounds and gestures. This style of performance is a hallmark of the folk process, where generations of campers and scouts have added regional or era-specific variations.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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Updated on April 19, 2026. Published on May 8, 2025. Author:

Tia Kennard

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