All along the backwater, Through the rushes tall, Ducks are a-dabbling, Up tails all!

Ducks’ tails, drakes’ tails, Yellow feet a-quiver, Yellow bills all out of sight Busy in the river!

Slushy green undergrowth Where the roach swim⁠— Here we keep our larder, Cool and full and dim.

Everyone for what he likes! We like to be Heads down, tails up, Dabbling free!