It was composed by Beethoven (the most famous German composer) while the original lyrics from Goethe (the most famous German poet). But one of my child´s music book said the melody was originally a Scottish folk tune. Nevertheless, I was unable to verify this or found a second source saying this.

This song is a popular children´s song in Germany under the German name “Der Bettler mit dem Murmeltier” (the beggar with the Groundhog). Because of the simple melody, it is popular when children learn their first music instrument like piano or flute. You can google this German name and easily find Youtube video with children playing this song.

Original name of the song was “Marmotte” (“Groundhog” in French). Goethe wrote it in a theater play. In this source, you found the original lyrics and the history:

http://www.labbe.de/zzzebra/index.asp?themaid=669&titelid=4873

Original lyric is (translated):

“I have been in many countries, always with my grundhog with me.”

This is a sad song about the beggar children from Savoy (a very poor French region at that time). They travel from place to place, let their groundhogs dance and beg for food.

Lin