The melody is thought to be much older than both the lyrics and the subject, going back to folk songs of Medieval Europe. Yankee Doodle, keep it up. Patience, I’m getting to it. Soon after, the British troops used the song to make fun of the American colonists during the Revolutionary War. "Yankee Doodle" is a well-known Anglo-American song, the origin of which dates back to the French and Indian War, fought from 1754 to 1763 between British troops in America and French forces that controlled what is now Canada. The song - Yankee Doodle - also is considered a negative and sarcastic song that was used in reference to the Colonists. recent questions. But the ditty actually began as a song that British soldiers sang to mock colonial Americans. A Short History of “Yankee Doodle” by Thomas Fleming. But did you know that the words to this song were written as a slap in the face—to Americans? The "Yankees" were the American colonists the trained British forces viewed as sloppy and ill-equipped as soldiers. Its Roud Folk Song Index number is 4501. Well, indirectly. When Yankee Doodle went to town a-riding on a pony, he was being a poser. Even if "Yankee Doodle" is a little nonsensical, modern Americans consider it a proudly patriotic song. Yankee Doodle dandy. How did the colonist use the yankee doodle song? But why is a feather called "macaroni"? At the time the Revolutionary War began, Americans were proud to be called yankees and "Yankee Doodle" became the colonists most stirring anthem of defiance and liberty. During the French and Indian War of 1754-1763, the British sang one version to mock colonial Americans — but the Americans took ownership and turned the song into a one of patriotic pride, especially during the Revolutionary War. Reason Behind the Rhyme: 'Yankee Doodle' Most of us can sing the dance tune "Yankee Doodle" without too much trouble. Mind the music and the step. Yankee Doodle, fa, so la, Yankee Doodle dandy, And so to keep his courage up, He took a drink of brandy. In “Yankee Doodle,” then, the British were mocking what they perceived as the Americans’ lack of class. British Origins Like many of the songs that have become characteristic of American patriotism, the origins of "Yankee Doodle" lie in old English folk music. It is often sung patriotically in the United States today and is the state anthem of Connecticut. So that’s the story of Yankee Doodle — but still no London. Brother Ephraim sold his cow And bought him a commission And then he went to Canada To fight for the nation; But when Ephraim, he … The first version of “Yankee Doodle” seems to have been written by a British army physician, Dr. Richard Schuckberg, during the French and Indian War.