Yon Yonson

Yon Yonson is an infinitely recursive poem, nursery rhyme or song, perhaps best known from the novel Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, although Vonnegut did not create it. The song is often sung in a Scandinavian accent (e.g. j pronounced as y, w pronounced as v). This accent is revealed by the name "Yon Yonson," which when recited in American English is usually rendered "Jan Jansen" or "John Johnson." The Swedish pronunciation "Yon Yonson" probably dates the origin of the song to soon after the Swedes' arrival in the United States. The earliest known appearance of the song has been credited to Jan Sophus Jansen (2/2/1870-3/18/1953). Jan Jansen (pronouced "Yon Yonson) was born in Amager Denmark. At age 23 (1893), he immigrated to the United States. Jan settled in Berlin, Wisconsin, where he first worked in a lumberyard and later worked as a carpenter, cabinet maker, and wood pattern maker. Jan was known to sing his namesake song while playing the concertina as he walked the streets of Berlin. I am danish myself so I find this piece of information interesting and funny.

Added 26 Mar 2026