Like Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star or the Alphabet song, the English version of “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” has its origin in an old French song from 1761 “Ah, vous dirai-je, maman!” by Louis Le Maire, sharing the same tune.
Although in the past the “Baa-Baa Black Sheep” rhyme was related to the Middle’s Ages wool industry and festivity, today its purpose is more an educational one, the children being able not only to learn about life in the countryside but also to imitate the sound made by sheep.
“Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” Lyrics
Modern version
Baa, baa, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three bags full.
One for the master,
One for the dame,
And one for the little boy
Who lives down the lane
Original Version
The original version of “Baa, Baa, Black sheep”, dating back to 1744 was first published in Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book
Bah, Bah a black Sheep,
Have you any Wool?
Yes merry have I,
Three Bags full,
One for my master,
One for my Dame,
One for the little Boy
That lives down the lane.