Hey there, parents and little ones! If you’re on the hunt for a sweet, simple song that gets everyone giggling and moving, Miss Polly Had a Dolly is a total winner. Over at TheTubeKids.com, we love sharing these classic tunes that spark joy and imagination in kids. This beloved nursery rhyme tells the tale of a caring girl and her poorly doll, complete with a doctor visit that’s full of fun actions. It’s perfect for playtime, helping children learn about empathy while they sing along. Let’s explore the lyrics, history, and why it’s still a hit today.
A Bit of History Behind Miss Polly Had a Dolly
This charming rhyme has roots in the United Kingdom, with origins that are a little fuzzy but likely tracing back to the late 19th or early 20th century. It’s thought to be of Scottish or English folk origin, passed down through generations as an oral tradition. No one knows exactly who wrote it—it’s one of those timeless pieces that just evolved over time. Modern versions, like those from channels such as ABCkidTV, have brought it to life with colorful animations since around 2005, but the core story stays the same: a mix of care, adventure, and a dash of pretend play.
What makes Miss Polly Had a Dolly so special is how it crosses cultures. Starting in the UK, it spread worldwide, becoming a staple in nurseries and homes everywhere. Kids today still rock their imaginary dolls and mimic calling the doctor, just like generations before them.
Miss Polly Had a Dolly Lyrics – Sing It Out Loud!
Ready to join in? Here’s the full set of lyrics for Miss Polly Had a Dolly. They’re super easy to remember, with lots of repetition that helps little ones catch on quick.
Miss Polly Had a Dolly Lyrics
Miss Polly had a dolly’s who was sick, sick, sick.
So she phoned for the doctor to come quick, quick, quick.
The doctor came with his bag and his hat,
And knocked at the door with a rat-a-tat-tat.
He looked at the dolly and shook his head,
And said “Miss Polly put her straight to bed.
He wrote a paper for a pill, pill, pill.
I’ll be back in the morning with the bill, bill, bill.
Miss Polly had a dolly’s who was sick, sick, sick.
So she phoned for the doctor to come quick, quick, quick.
The doctor came with his bag and his hat,
And knocked at the door with a rat-a-tat-tat.
He looked at the dolly and shook his head,
And said “Miss Polly put her straight to bed.
He wrote a paper for a pill, pill, pill.
I’ll be back in the morning with the bill, bill, bill.
(And it repeats for another round – perfect for extending the fun!)
These words paint a vivid picture of kindness and quick thinking, making it a great way to teach kids about helping others.

Fun Actions to Go with the Song
One of the best parts of Miss Polly Had a Dolly is turning it into an action song! In classrooms or at home, kids can act it out to boost their motor skills and creativity. Here’s how:
- When you sing “who was sick, sick, sick,” cradle an imaginary doll in your arms and rock it gently.
- For “so she phoned for the doctor,” hold your hand to your ear like you’re on the phone.
- “The doctor came with his bag and his hat” – pretend to tip a hat or swing a bag.
- Knock on an invisible door for “rat-a-tat-tat.”
- Shake your head during “shook his head,” and mimic writing for the pill part.
It’s like a mini play that gets everyone involved. Teachers often use this in group settings to encourage teamwork and expression.
Watch Miss Polly Had a Dolly on YouTube
Want to see it in action? Check out these fun videos we’ve embedded right here on TheTubeKids.com. They’re great for screen time that’s actually engaging and educational.
And for something extra special, here’s a version with British Sign Language to make it inclusive for all kids:
Miss Polly Had A Dolly’s British sign Language
These clips bring the rhyme to life with bright colors and happy animations – ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.
Why Miss Polly Had a Dolly Matters for Kids Today
Beyond the catchy tune, Miss Polly Had a Dolly packs some real benefits for child development. The story highlights empathy and responsibility, as Miss Polly takes care of her doll like a little parent. Psychologists say play like this builds emotional smarts, helping kids understand feelings in real life.
In a social sense, nursery rhymes like this one evolve with the times. Imagine updating the tale with diverse friends joining Miss Polly on her adventure – it promotes inclusivity and sparks imagination. Educators love using it in lessons too, as it boosts language skills, rhythm, and memory. Kids can even create their own endings, turning it into a creative writing prompt.

At TheTubeKids.com, we see Miss Polly Had a Dolly as more than just a song – it’s a gateway to bonding, learning, and loads of laughs. Whether you’re singing it at bedtime or during playgroup, it creates those warm memories that stick around.
So, grab your little one’s favorite toy and give Miss Polly Had a Dolly a whirl. It’s a simple joy that never gets old. Head over to our site for more kid-friendly videos and rhymes – we’d love to hear how your family enjoys it!



