A cumulative folk song, often thought as Scottish in origin although this may be more to do with predominating versions in the early days of the folk revival.
What’ll we do with a herring’s head?
Turn it into a loaf of bread!
Herring’s head, loaf of bread,
And all such things
Chorus
The herring is the king of the sea
The herring is the fish for me
The herring is the king of the sea
Oh whack-faloodle-day!
Herring’s Eyes
Pudding and Pies
Herring’s gills?
Potions and pills
Herring’s back?
A boy called Jack
Herring’s belly?
Jams and jellies
Herring’s fins
A bottle of gin