On Ilkla Moor Baht ’at: Yorkshire’s Unofficial Anthem

Few songs are as instantly recognisable to Yorkshire folk as On Ilkla Moor Baht ’at. Sung in dialect and steeped in regional character, it’s often referred to as Yorkshire’s unofficial anthem. Whether heard at rugby matches, community events or Yorkshire Day celebrations, this traditional tune captures the humour, pride and plain-speaking charm of the county.

Here’s a look at the origins of the song—and the full lyrics for those wanting to sing along.

---

Origins of the Song

On Ilkla Moor Baht ’at translates to On Ilkley Moor without a hat and is thought to have been written in the late 19th century. It’s set to the melody known as Cranbrook, a tune composed by Thomas Clark of Canterbury in the early 1800s.

Although not commonly used for it, the Cranbrook tune can be used for singing the Christmas carol While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8MWb1FlODQ

---

A Regional Favourite

While the lyrics may sound grim at first glance, the song is meant to be tongue-in-cheek. It’s a reflection of the dry humour Yorkshire is known for and remains a source of local pride.

It’s commonly sung at public gatherings, and it’s not unusual to hear a crowd break into the chorus spontaneously—particularly on Yorkshire Day or at sporting events involving Yorkshire teams.

---

The Lyrics to On Ilkla Moor Baht ’at

Verse 1
Wheear 'ast tha bin sin’ ah saw thee,
On Ilkla Moor baht ’at?
Wheear 'ast tha bin sin’ ah saw thee,
On Ilkla Moor baht ’at?
Wheear 'ast tha bin sin’ ah saw thee?
On Ilkla Moor baht ’at?
On Ilkla Moor baht ’at.

Chorus
Tha’s been a cooartin’ Mary Jane
Tha’s bahn’ to catch thy deeath o’ cold
Then us’ll ha’ to bury thee
Then t’worms’ll come an’ eyt thee up
Then t’ducks’ll come an’ eyt up t’worms
Then us’ll come an’ eyt up t’ducks
Then us’ll all ha’ etten thee
That’s wheear we get us oahn back
On Ilkla Moor baht ’at.

Verse 2
Tha’s been a cooartin’ Mary Jane,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Tha’s been a cooartin’ Mary Jane,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Tha’s been a cooartin’ Mary Jane,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.

Verse 3
Tha’s bahn’ to catch thy deeath o’ cold,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Tha’s bahn’ to catch thy deeath o’ cold,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Tha’s bahn’ to catch thy deeath o’ cold,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.

Verse 4
Then us’ll ha’ to bury thee,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Then us’ll ha’ to bury thee,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Then us’ll ha’ to bury thee,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.

Verse 5
Then t’worms’ll come an’ eyt thee up,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Then t’worms’ll come an’ eyt thee up,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Then t’worms’ll come an’ eyt thee up,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.

Verse 6
Then t’ducks’ll come an’ eyt up t’worms,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Then t’ducks’ll come an’ eyt up t’worms,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Then t’ducks’ll come an’ eyt up t’worms,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.

Verse 7
Then us’ll come an’ eyt up t’ducks,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Then us’ll come an’ eyt up t’ducks,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Then us’ll come an’ eyt up t’ducks,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.

Verse 8
Then us’ll all ha’ etten thee,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Then us’ll all ha’ etten thee,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
Then us’ll all ha’ etten thee,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.

Verse 9
That’s wheear we get us oahn back,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
That’s wheear we get us oahn back,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
That’s wheear we get us oahn back,
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.
On Ilkla Moor baht 'at.

---

A Song That Lives On

Though sung in Yorkshire dialect, the meaning and spirit of the song resonate far and wide. On Ilkla Moor Baht ’at isn’t just a piece of music—it’s a cultural marker, passed down through generations as a celebration of Yorkshire humour, resilience, and identity.

Whether performed by brass bands, community choirs, or sung in full voice at the pub, it remains a proud part of Yorkshire’s musical heritage.