<P> ' The Grand Old Duke of York ' ( also sung as The Noble Duke of York ) is an English children 's nursery rhyme , often performed as an action song . The Duke of the title has been argued to be a number of the holders of that office , particularly Prince Frederick , Duke of York and Albany ( 1763 -- 1827 ) and its lyrics have become proverbial for futile action . It has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 742 . </P>
<P> ' The Grand Old Duke of York ' ( also sung as The Noble Duke of York ) is an English children 's nursery rhyme , often performed as an action song . The Duke of the title has been argued to be a number of the holders of that office , particularly Prince Frederick , Duke of York and Albany ( 1763 -- 1827 ) and its lyrics have become proverbial for futile action . It has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 742 . </P>
the grand old duke of york nursery rhyme meaning
the grand old duke of york nursery rhyme meaning
futile action
futile action