<P> Sometimes, a clapping or snapping beat is used by the children in the circle . Sometimes, the other children in the group sing along with the "accuser" after the "accused" has been identified . Some variations on the theme include the use by teachers of the song as a lesson in keeping with a beat and improvisation . As with many children's songs, there can be many variations on the execution of the performance . </P> <P> The song's lyrics are usually: </P> <Dl> <Dd> Accuser: Who stole / took the cookie / cookies from the cookie jar? </Dd> <Dd> (name of a child in the circle) stole / took the cookie / cookies from the cookie jar . </Dd> <Dd> Accused: Who, me? </Dd> <Dd> Accuser / Group: Yes, you! / Yeah, you! </Dd> <Dd> Accused: Couldn't be! / Not me! / Wasn't me! </Dd> <Dd> Accuser / Group: Then who? </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> Accuser: Who stole / took the cookie / cookies from the cookie jar? </Dd>

Who got the cookie from the cookie jar