Nursery Rhymes with Dark Origins
Nursery rhymes are often perceived as innocent and whimsical, designed to soothe and entertain children. However, many of these seemingly benign verses have origins that are far from child-friendly. Some nursery rhymes are steeped in history and carry the weight of dark tales and events from the past.
So, prepare to have your childhood destroyed because today, we delve into the dark, mysterious and often surprising origins of some of the most well-known nursery rhymes.
Baa, Baa, Black Sheep – The rhyme, which dates back to the early 18th century, is commonly associated with the wool trade in medieval England, a time when the industry was crucial to the country’s economy.
Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?
Yes, sir, yes, sir, three bags full
One for the master, and one for the dame
And one for the little boy who lives down the lane
The “Great Custom,” a wool tax imposed in 1275, is often cited as a potential inspiration for the rhyme, reflecting the heavy burdens placed on the wool trade during that period.
Controversy has occasionally arisen over the rhyme’s meaning, with some interpretations suggesting a connection to the slave trade. However, most scholars agree that this is unlikely, as the wool trade in Britain did not typically involve slave labour, especially not in the handling of wool. The “black sheep” of the rhyme is more plausibly linked to the valuable black wool that was taxed under the Great Custom.
Goosey Goosey Gander – The rhyme is often associated with the English Civil War and the persecution of Catholics during the reign of Oliver Cromwell, where Catholicism was outlawed and priests were forced into hiding.
Goosey goosey gander,
Whither shall I wander?
Upstairs and downstairs
And in my lady’s chamber.
There I met an old man
Who wouldn’t say his prayers,
So I took him by his left leg
And threw him down the stairs
The seemingly innocent lines of the rhyme are thought to refer to the practice of hiding Catholic priests in secret rooms known as priest holes. The “old man” mentioned in the rhyme is believed to represent a priest who wouldn’t say his prayers, not out of defiance, but because he was forbidden to do so in Latin, the language of the Catholic Church at the time. The act of “throwing him down the stairs” symbolizes the grim fate that befell many priests once discovered.
This interpretation is supported by historical records that suggest “left leg” was a slang term for Catholics during the reign of Edward VI, and the inability to “say his prayers” could refer to the banning of Latin prayers and the mandate to use the English-language Book of Common Prayer.
Jack and Jill – One theory suggests that “Jack and Jill” refers to King Charles I’s attempt to reform the tax on liquid measures.
Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water
Jack fell down and broke his crown
And Jill came tumbling after
When Parliament rejected his proposal to increase the volume on half-pints, known as ‘jacks,’ he ordered that the volume be reduced without changing the tax, effectively increasing it anyway. This action was met with public outcry, and some believe this event is cryptically detailed in the nursery rhyme, with ‘Jack’ and ‘Jill’ representing the jacks and gills (another measure for liquids) and their fall symbolizing the fall of the monarchy.
Another interpretation links the rhyme to the French Revolution, where ‘Jack’ and ‘Jill’ are thought to represent Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The phrase “Jack fell down and broke his crown” could be a reference to Louis XVI’s beheading, and “Jill came tumbling after” to the subsequent execution of Marie Antoinette. However, this theory is chronologically inconsistent, as the rhyme predates these events.
Some also speculate that the rhyme could be an allegory for the myth of Icarus, the Norse story of Hjuki and Bil, or simply a cautionary tale about the dangers of fetching water from steep hills.
London Bridge Is Falling Down – This is a traditional nursery rhyme and singing game that has entertained children for generations.
London Bridge is falling down
Falling down, falling down
London Bridge is falling down
My fair lady
Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, and it has been suggested that the song refers to the numerous difficulties experienced in maintaining the bridge across the River Thames.
The bridge itself has been rebuilt several times since the first crossing was erected by the Romans. The “falling down” part of the song may allude to the Saxons’ destruction of the bridge, Viking attacks, or the natural decay that led to its numerous reconstructions.
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary – The rhyme’s origins are disputed, but it is widely believed to have been first published in the 18th century.
The most common modern version of the rhyme goes:
Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells, and cockle shells,
And pretty maids all in a row.
One interpretation suggests the rhyme is a religious allegory of Catholicism, with the “garden” representing the spread of Catholicism, “silver bells” symbolizing the sanctus bells, “cockle shells” indicating the badges of pilgrims, and “pretty maids” referring to nuns.
Another theory connects the rhyme to Mary I of England, also known as “Bloody Mary,” with the “garden” alluding to the graveyards filling with Protestant martyrs during her reign. The “silver bells” and “cockle shells” are speculated to be symbolic of the Catholic church and its influence, while “pretty maids all in a row” could refer to miscarriages or executions ordered by Mary.
Three Blind Mice – The earliest known version of “Three Blind Mice” was published in 1609 in “Deuteromelia or The Seconde part of Musicks Melodie” by Thomas Ravenscroft.
Three blind mice, Three blind mice
See how they run, See how they run!
They all ran after The farmer’s wife
She cut off their tails With a carving knife
Did you ever see Such a sight in your life
As three blind mice?
However, some historians believe the rhyme could have been written even earlier and might refer to Queen Mary I of England, known as “Bloody Mary,” who reigned from 1516 to 1558. She was notorious for her persecution of Protestant bishops, and it is speculated that the “three blind mice” were three Protestant bishops who were executed for their beliefs.
The “blindness” mentioned in the rhyme is thought to represent the bishops’ religious convictions, which were at odds with Queen Mary’s Catholicism.
Eeny Meeny Miny Mo – The origins of “Eeny Meeny Miny Mo” are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been influenced by various cultures and languages.
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe
Catch a tiger by the toe
If he squeals let him go,
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe
For instance, a Dutch language historian in the 1950s suggested that the rhyme might be connected to an ancient chant used by heathen priests. Moreover, variations of the rhyme exist in numerous countries, each with its unique twist, yet bearing a resemblance to the English-language version.
With roots in the early 19th century, this rhyme has been criticised for its original racially offensive lyrics*, which have since been changed to more acceptable versions.
*The word tiger replaces the ‘N-word’ racial epithet found in earlier versions of the song.
Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush – According to historian R.S. Duncan, the song has a rather somber beginning, rooted in the history of England’s Wakefield Prison.
Here we go ’round the mulberry bush,
The mulberry bush, the mulberry bush.
Here we go ’round the mulberry bush,
On a cold and frosty morning.
It is believed that the rhyme originated from the female inmates who were required to exercise around a mulberry tree in the prison yard. This piece of history provides a stark contrast to the light-hearted singing and circling often seen in schoolyards and playgrounds today.
Rock-A-Bye Baby – One interpretation links the rhyme to the events preceding the Glorious Revolution in England.
Rock-a-bye baby,
On the treetop.
When the wind blows,
The cradle will rock.
When the bough breaks,
The cradle will fall
And down will come baby,
Cradle and all.
It is believed that the “baby” mentioned in the lyrics refers to the son of King James II of England, who was widely rumoured to be another man’s child, smuggled into the birthing room to ensure a Roman Catholic heir to the throne. This interpretation paints the lullaby as a subtle commentary on the political intrigue and religious tensions of the time.
The lullaby’s lyrics have evolved over time, with the earliest known version appearing in print in 1765. The original text, “Hush-a-by baby on the tree top,” was later changed to “Rock-a-bye baby on the tree top” in the 1800s. Despite the changes, the core imagery of a cradle falling from a tree has remained, a metaphor that could be seen as a warning about the perils of ambition and the fragility of life.
Ring Around the Rosie – One prevalent theory suggests that the rhyme dates back to the Great Plague of London in 1665 or even the Black Death of the 14th century.
American Version (Ring Around The Rosie):
Ring-a-round the Rosie,
A pocket full of posies.
Ashes! Ashes!
We all fall down!British Version (Ring a Ring O’ Roses):
Ring-a-ring o’ roses,
A pocket full of posies.
Atishoo! Atishoo!
We all fall down.
According to this interpretation, “rosie” refers to the rash that was one of the symptoms of the plague, and “posies” were small bouquets of herbs carried to ward off the smell of illness or used as protection against the disease. The line “ashes, ashes**” is thought to represent the cremation of the dead, and “we all fall down” symbolizes the inevitable death caused by the plague.
However, this grim interpretation has been widely debunked by historians and folklorists. Research indicates that the first known publication of the rhyme occurred much later, in the 19th century, which is several centuries after the last outbreak of the bubonic plague in England. Moreover, the practice of cremation was not common in 14th-century England due to church laws requiring burial, further casting doubt on the plague-related theory.
Other interpretations have emerged, such as the rhyme being a reflection of religious or political resistance, or even a commentary on the harsh realities of historical events like slavery. Yet, these remain speculative and are not universally accepted.
In light of these findings, it seems more likely that “Ring Around the Rosie” is simply a traditional children’s rhyme, its origins and meaning obscured by time. The dark interpretations may be more reflective of our fascination with finding hidden meanings in familiar tales rather than historical fact. As with many elements of folklore, the true origin of “Ring Around the Rosie” may remain a mystery, leaving us with a rhyme that continues to be sung by children around the world, blissfully unaware of the somber stories once linked to their playful game.
**In some versions of Ring Around the Rosie the words ‘ashes, ashes’ are replaced with ‘atishoo, atishoo’ and when this is the case it is often claimed sneezing was a symptom of the plague. Again, this is much debated.
Humpty Dumpty – One popular interpretation links Humpty Dumpty to the English Civil War, specifically to a cannon used during the Siege of Colchester in 1648. The cannon, nicknamed “Humpty Dumpty,” was placed on the city’s walls. When the walls were damaged during the siege, the cannon fell and could not be restored, much like the character in the rhyme.
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
Couldn’t put Humpty together again.
Another theory suggests that Humpty Dumpty refers to King Richard III, depicted as humpbacked in Shakespeare’s play, though historical evidence later clarified it as severe scoliosis. The “wall” in this interpretation could be a metaphor for the battle where he met his demise***, and the inability to “put Humpty together again” symbolizes the end of his reign and life.
These interpretations are not definitive, and the true origin of “Humpty Dumpty” remains shrouded in mystery. The rhyme first appeared in print in 1797, and it’s likely that its true meaning, if there ever was one specific to its creation, has been lost to time.
Trivia: In 17th century “humpty dumpty” was the name of a kind of brandy (source: Oxford English Dictionary) and the term was also used as a slang to describe a dull person.
Here’s how the rhyme appeared in its first printed form:
Humpty Dumpty sate [sic] on a wall,
Humpti Dumpti [sic] had a great fall;
Threescore men and threescore more,
Cannot place Humpty dumpty as he was before.
***Some claim ‘Wall’ was the name of King Richard’s horse but that seems even more far-fetched or ‘shoe-horned in’ than most claims.
Old Mother Hubbard – The rhyme was first published in 1805 and is attributed to Sarah Catherine Martin.
Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the cupboard
To give the poor dog a bone;
When she came there
The cupboard was bare
And so the poor dog had none
While the exact origin is disputed, some suggest that it may have been inspired by an old housekeeper in a cottage on the property of Sarah’s sister.
“Old Mother Hubbard” has also been linked to the story of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and his failure to secure an annulment of King Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon. This interpretation aligns with the practice of using nursery rhymes as veiled critiques of political figures and situations, a safer way to discuss controversial topics in times when free speech was not a given.
It’s Raining; It’s Pouring – On the surface, this appears to be about weather and an old man’s sleeping habits. However, a deeper look into its lyrics reveals a more somber narrative.
It’s raining; it’s pouring.
The old man is snoring.
He went to bed and bumped his head,
And didn’t wake up the next morning.
The rhyme, which dates back to at least 1939, tells the story of an old man who bumps his head and doesn’t get up in the morning. While it may seem innocuous, some interpretations suggest that the rhyme is actually a cautionary tale about the dangers of head injuries and the importance of seeking medical attention. The line “He went to bed and bumped his head, and he couldn’t get up in the morning” is seen by some as a classic description of an extradural hematoma, a serious condition that can lead to drowsiness and death if not treated promptly.
Another interpretation suggests that the “raining” and “pouring” in the rhyme may not refer to actual weather but rather to the pouring of alcoholic drinks. In this view, the old man’s inability to wake up is attributed to his drunken state, serving as a warning against the dangers of excessive drinking.
This Old Man – Some sources suggest that the song may have darker historical connotations, possibly relating to the Irish Famine and the subsequent influx of Irish immigrants to England, who would play spoons or sell small items door-to-door to make a living.
This old man, he plays one
He plays knick knack on my thumb
With a knick knack paddy wack
Give a dog a bone
This old man comes rolling home
This interpretation casts the “old man” character in a different light, potentially as a symbol of the struggle and resilience of those affected by the famine.
It is also believed to stem from a cautionary tale for children about ‘inappropriate’ old men. Parents used this song to warn their children about such individuals
Lucy Locket – The nursery rhyme “Lucy Locket” may seem innocent at first glance, but it carries a history that is far from child’s play.
Lucy Locket lost her pocket,
Kitty Fisher found it,
Not a penny was there in it,
Only ribbon round it.
The rhyme, which dates back to the 18th century, is believed to tell the tale of two women, Lucy and Kitty, who were involved in the world’s oldest profession. The “pocket” mentioned in the rhyme is thought to refer to a client who had run out of money, and the “ribbon” is a nod to the method by which these women secured their earnings.
Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater – The rhyme, which dates back to the late 18th century, has various interpretations that delve into themes of marital fidelity, control, and even more sinister actions.
Peter, Peter, pumpkin eater
Had a wife and couldn’t keep her
He put her in a pumpkin shell
And there he kept her very well
One theory suggests that the rhyme refers to the practice of confining an unfaithful wife, represented by the line “He put her in a pumpkin shell.” This confinement could be symbolic, referring to societal expectations of women’s behaviour during the time.
Another interpretation links the rhyme to historical figures, such as the 13th-century English King John, who allegedly punished a rebellious noble by imprisoning his wife within a wall.
Pop Goes the Weasel – The phrase “Pop goes the weasel” first emerged in the mid-19th century, not as a nursery rhyme but as the title of a dance tune. The earliest known published version dates back to the early 1850s, where it was associated with a social dance that became a craze in England.
Half a pound of tuppenny rice,
Half a pound of treacle.
That’s the way the money goes,
Pop! Goes the weasel.
The lyrics of the rhyme are known for their nonsensical and whimsical nature, which has led to much speculation about their meaning. Various interpretations have been suggested over the years, with some believing that the words are coded messages or references to historical events or social practices of the time. For instance, one theory suggests that the rhyme is written in Cockney rhyming slang, where ‘weasel****’ could mean ‘coat or suit’ and ‘pop’ could refer to pawning possessions.
Despite the various theories, the true origin and meaning of “Pop Goes the Weasel” remain elusive. The rhyme has seen many variations over the years, especially between British and American versions, which further complicates the understanding of its original context.
****It is believed by some, the word ‘weasel’ was actually the word ‘whistle’ in the original rhyme. ‘Whistle and flute’ means ‘suit’ in cockney rhyming slang and would have been abbreviated to just ‘whistle’.
Little Boy Blue – The earliest printed version of ‘Little Boy Blue’ cn be traced back to Tommy Thumb’s Little Song Book, circa 1744, but its roots may extend even further into history.
Little Boy Blue come blow your horn,
The sheep’s in the meadow the cow’s in the corn.
But where’s the boy who looks after the sheep?
He’s under a haystack fast asleep.
Will you wake him? No, not I – for if I do, he’s sure to cry.
Some interpretations suggest that the rhyme could be a reflection of the pastoral life and duties of a hayward, the person responsible for protecting enclosed crops from livestock during the harvest season.
Another layer of interpretation hints at a political subtext, with some theories proposing that ‘Little Boy Blue’ was a veiled critique of the medieval English wool trade tax imposed by King Edward I in the 13th century. This tax had a significant impact on the economy and society of the time, and the rhyme may have served as a form of protest or commentary on these events.
It is also claimed this rhyme might be about the son of a farmer who is shirking his duties, but some interpretations go a little further suggesting it’s about the son of Cromwell, who was known for his laziness.
Hey Diddle Diddle – A classic English nursery rhyme that has intrigued and entertained children and adults alike for centuries.
Hey, diddle, diddle,
The cat and the fiddle,
The cow jumped over the moon;
The little dog laughed,
To see such fun,
And the dish ran away with the spoon.
Its origins, shrouded in mystery, have sparked the curiosity of many. The rhyme, which dates back to at least the sixteenth century, features a cast of characters that perform extraordinary feats: a cat with a fiddle, a cow that leaps over the moon, a little dog that laughs, and a dish that runs away with a spoon.
The playful language and whimsical imagery have led some to believe that the rhyme is nothing more than nonsensical fun, meant to amuse rather than to convey a deeper meaning. However, others have delved into its historical context, searching for a hidden significance.
Some scholars suggest that the rhyme could be a veiled satire of the politics and social customs of the time, while others propose connections to ancient Greek sayings or constellations in the night sky.
These interpretations remind us that nursery rhymes are not just simple songs for children; they are also historical artifacts that reflect the complexities of the times in which they were created. They serve as a reminder of the darker elements of human history and the way in which these elements can be woven into the cultural fabric of society, sometimes in the most unexpected places.
Nursery rhymes, with their catchy melodies and rhythms, have the power to endure through generations, carrying with them stories that are far more intricate than they appear at first glance.
It is highly suggested you research further into the possible hidden meanings behind these rhymes sang so sweetly in the nursery to our precious children, what you discover may just surprise and horrify you.
© Colin Lawson Books