The rhyme is very popular in America where it is used to teach basic musical notes and has links to Spanish as it is said to be based upon a Spanish dong that is called Estaba el Senor Don Gato.

In British nursery rhymes, the storyline of Don Gato is more closely linked to Humpty Dumpty, an egg that falls from a wall and cracks. The rhyme of Don Gato has spread around the world thanks to its inclusion in popular culture references. In France, the rhyme is known simply as Monsieur le Chat.

Senor Don Gato Lyrics

O Senor Don Gato was a cat.
On a high red roof Don Gato sat.
He was there to read a letter,
Meow, meow, meow!
Where the reading light was better,
Meow, meow, meow!
‘Twas a love-note for Don Gato!
“I adore you,” wrote the lady cat,
Who was fluffy white, and nice and fat.
There was not a sweeter kitty,
Meow, meow, meow!
In the country or the city
Meow, meow, meow!
And she said she’d wed Don Gato!
O Senor Don Gato jumped with glee!
He fell off the roof and broke his knee,
Broke his ribs and all his whiskers,
Meow, meow, meow!
And his little solar plexus
Meow, meow, meow!
“Ay Caramba! ” cried Don Gato.
All the doctors they came on the run,
Just to see if something could be done.
And they held a consultation,
Meow, meow, meow!
About how to save their patient,
Meow, meow, meow!
How to save Senor Don Gato.
But in spite of everything they tried,
Poor Senor Don Gato up and died.
No, it wasn’t very merry,
Meow, meow, meow!
Going to the cemetery,
Meow, meow, meow!
For the ending of Don Gato.
But as the funeral passed the market square,
Such a smell of fish was in the air,
Though the burial was slated,
Meow, meow, meow!
He became reanimated,
Meow, meow, meow!
He came back to life, Don Gato!

I Had a Little Turtle Lyrics

I had a little turtle,  
His name was Tiny Tim. 
I put him in the bathtub to see if he could swim.  

He drank up all the water,  
He ate a bar of soap.  
And now he’s lying in his bed  
With bubbles in his throat.  

Bubble, bubble, bubble,  
Bubble, bubble, bubble,  
Bubble, bubble, bubble,  
Bubble, bubble, bubble
Pop!

Going on a Bear Hunt lyrics illustrate the adventures and lessons learned of four children, a baby sister and their dog as they go on a bear hunt. Each action of the rhyme is accompanied by mimic and gesture-play.

Below are the lyrics and the song interpreted by Michael Rosen.

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Lyrics

We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! It’s some long, wavy grass!
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go around it,
Got to go through it!

We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! It’s a mushroom patch.
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go around it,
Got to go through it!

We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! It’s a wide river.
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go through it,
Got to swim across it.

We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! A deep, dark cave.
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go through it,
Got to go in it.

Uh, oh! It’s dark in here.
I feel something,
It has lots of hair!
It has sharp teeth!
It’s a bear!

Hurry back through the river,
Back through the mushroom patch,
Back through the long grass
Run in the house and lock the door.
Phew! That was close!

I’m not afraid!

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Song

by Michael Rosen

The song is an echo song, meaning that the main singer sings each verse that is later repeated by the rest of the group one by one. At the end of the verse, the leader will sing the whole verse alone, uninterrupted.

“The Other Day I Met a Bear” Lyrics

The other day
I met a bear
A great big bear
A way out there.

He looked at me
I looked at him
He sized up me
I sized up him.

He said to me
Why don’t you run
I see you don’t
Have any gun.

And so I ran
Away from there
And right behind
Me was that bear.

Ahead of me
I saw a tree
A great, big tree
Oh, golly gee!

The lowest branch
Was ten feet up
I’d had to jump
And trust my luck!

And so I jumped
Into the air
And missed that branch
A way up there.

Now don’t you fret
And don’t you frown
I caught that branch
On the way back down.

That’s all there is
There is no more
Until I meet
That bear once more.

The end, the end,
The end, the end,
The end, the end,
The end, the end.

Alternate lyrics

Sometimes the last stanza is replaced with this

And so I met
That bear once more,
Now he’s a rug
On my bedroom floor.

“Alle meine Entchen” (All My ducklings) Circle Game

The kids sing along while dancing and swimming like little ducks (moving their elbows like wings). On the last 2 verses of each stanza the children will touch the floor with their hands trying to move their tails up (bottom in the air).

“Kookaburra Song” Lyrics

Kookaburra* sits in the old gum tree**,
Merry, merry king of the bush is he,
Laugh Kookaburra, laugh Kookaburra
Gay your life must be.

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,
Eating all the gumdrops he can see,
Stop Kookaburra, stop Kookaburra,
Leave some there for me.

The children’s version of this song comes from an older rhyme sung by soldiers, whose inappropriate lyrics have been adapted.

“Do Your Ears Hang Low?” Lyrics

Do your ears hang low?
Do they wobble to and fro?
Can you tie ’em in a knot?
Can you tie ’em in a bow?
Can you throw ’em o’er your shoulder
Like a Continental soldier?
Do your ears hang low?

Do your ears stand high?
Do they reach up to the sky?
Do they droop when they are wet?
Do they stiffen when they’re dry?
Can you wave them at your neighbor
With an element of flavor?
Do your ears stand high?

Do your ears flip-flop?
Can you use them as a mop?
Are they stringy at the bottom?
Are they curly at the top?
Can you use them for a swatter?
Can you use them for a blotter?
Do your ears flip-flop?

Do your ears stick out?
Can you waggle them about?
Can you flap them up and down
As you fly around the town?
Can you shut them up for sure
When you hear an awful bore?
Do your ears stick out?

Do your ears give snacks?
Are they all filled up with wax?
Do you eat it in the morning
Do you eat it in the bath?
Do you eat it with a scone
Or do you eat it on its own?
Do your ears give snacks?

Do your ears fall off?
Do they dangle when you cough?
Can you juggle them for fun?
And put them back when you are done?
Can you do some origami?
Can you chew them like salami?
Do your ears fall off?

“Do your ears hang low?” Song

UK Version

Do your ears hang low?
Can you swing them to and fro?
Can you tie them in a knot?
Can you tie them in a bow?
Can you swing them over your shoulder like a regimental soldier
Do your ears hang low?

The song can be a metaphor for many situations that seem simple or insignificant and can become complicated if we find inappropriate solutions or if we think we are invincible.

First known simply as “I know an old lady”, the lyrics of “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” was written in its current form by the author of the book with the same name, Rose Bonne and the music by artist Alan Millis, in 1952.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly Lyrics

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!

She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a bird;
How absurd to swallow a bird!

She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a cat;
Fancy that! She swallowed a cat!

She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady that swallowed a dog;
What a hog, to swallow a dog!

She swallowed the dog to catch the cat,
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!

She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a goat;
She just opened her throat and swallowed a goat!

She swallowed the goat to catch the dog,
She swallowed the dog to catch the cat,
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’ll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a cow;
I don’t know how she swallowed a cow!

She swallowed the cow to catch the goat,
She swallowed the goat to catch the dog,
She swallowed the dog to catch the cat,
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her!
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly – Perhaps she’s dead
There was an old lady who swallowed a horse;

…She’s dead, of course!

“The Ants Go Marching” Gesture Play

When sung in larger groups such as kindergartens or camps, the lyrics are often accompanied by actions that can be performed alongside.

During the first verse, children will march on the spot while holding up as many fingers as the number of ants that go marching. When the ant stops marching the children will stop marching as well and place the finger(s) in front of them. When the ants go down, children will bend their knees and get smaller. During the last verse, children will jump and sing “boom boom boom” loudly.

“The Ants Go Marching” Lyrics

The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah.
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah.
The ants go marching one by one,
The little one stops to suck his thumb.
And they all go marching down,
To the ground, to get out of the rain.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

…two…tie her shoe…
…three….climb a tree…
…four…shut the door…
…five…take a dive…
…six…pick up sticks…
…seven…pray to heaven…
…eight…check the gate…
…nine…check the time…
…ten…say “The End!”

The nursery rhyme was first mentioned in a 1942 edition of “The Yorker” magazine with no reference to its origins.

The link between the Hadendoa warriors and the nursery rhyme is fuzzy, there is no definitive link between the two but it is possible the rhyme refers to the bravery of the Hadendoa (hence they are a bear).

“Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Bear” Lyrics

Original Version

Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear,
Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair,
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t really fuzzy,
Was he?

Extended modern lyrics

Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear
Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t fuzzy
No, by gosh, he wasn’t, was he?

Silly Willy was a worm
Silly Willy wouldn’t squirm
Silly Willy wasn’t silly
No, by gosh, he wasn’t really

Iddy Biddy was a mouse
Iddy Biddy had no spouse
Iddy Biddy wasn’t pretty
Oh, by gosh, it was a pity

Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear
Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t fuzzy
No, by god, he wasn’t, was he?

Alouette Song Origins

Most probably Alouette song has French-Canadian origin as the first published version appeared in Montreal at McGill College where it was included in “A Pocket Song Book for the Use of Students and Graduates” in 1879.

Canadian theory links the origins of the song to the fur trade in North American waters. On the canoes used to transport goods in exchange for furs, work was always accompanied by singing that made rowing easier to bear. Also, horned larks were often hunted for food by voyageurs, a fairly common practice in the past.

To this day “Alouette” is considered a symbol and an informal anthem of French Canada.

“Alouette” Lyrics

Often times the rhyme is accompanied by certain actions kids do. For example, during “hop, hop, hop” they will jump, and during “stop, stop, stop” they will freeze.

“Once I Saw a Little Bird” Lyrics

Once I saw a little bird
Come hop, hop, hop;
So I cried, “Little bird,
Will you stop, stop, stop?”

And was going to the window
To say, “How do you do?”
But he shook his little tail,
And far away he flew.

The “mother goose” often refers to a witch but in this song’s case, the goose might refer to the animal, as the goose offers her feathers just like in “Baa Baa Black Sheep“, another popular rhyme about animals.

“Cackle, Cackle, Mother Goose” Lyrics

Cackle, cackle, Mother Goose,
Have you any feathers loose?
Truly have I, pretty fellow,
Half enough to fill a pillow.
Here are quills, take one or two,
And down to make a bed for you.

It is worth mentioning that in olde English tea rhymed with away.

“Little Poll Parrot” Lyrics

Little Poll Parrot
Sat in his garret
Eating toast and tea;
A little brown mouse
Jumped into the house,
And stole it all away.

“The North Wind Doth Blow” Lyrics

The North wind doth blow and we shall have snow,
And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?
He’ll sit in a barn and keep himself warm
and hide his head under his wing, poor thing.

The song’s lyrics were written in 1932 by Jimmy Kennedy. The song proved to be popular and soon it was sang in kindergartens, schools and camps by children. Its popularity never faded and today it is just as popular as ever.

“Teddy Bear’s Picnic

If you go down in the woods today
You’re sure of a big surprise
If you go down in the woods today
You’d better go in disguise!
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain
Because today’s the day the
Teddy Bears have their picnic
Picnic time for Teddy Bears
The little Teddy Bears are having
A lovely time today
Watch them, catch them unawares
And see them picnic on their holiday
See them gaily gad about
They love to play and shout
They never have any cares
At six o’clock their Mommies and Daddies
Will take them home to bed
Because they’re tired little Teddy Bears
Every Teddy Bear who’s been good
Is sure of a treat today
There’s lots of marvelous things to eat
And wonderful games to play
Beneath the trees where nobody sees
They’ll hide and seek as long as they please
‘Cause that’s the way the
Teddy Bears have their picnic
Picnic time for Teddy Bears
The little Teddy Bears are having
A lovely time today
Watch them, catch them unawares
And see them picnic on their holiday
See them gaily gad about
They love to play and shout
They never have any cares
At six o’clock their Mommies and Daddies
Will take them home to bed
Because they’re tired little Teddy Bears
Because they’re tired little Teddy Bears

“Little Tommy Tittlemouse” Lyrics

Little Tommy Tittlemouse
Lived in a little house,
He caught fishes
In other men’s ditches.

While all the illustrations were not published, the one with three little mice making coats was published in “The Tailor of Gloucester” in 1902.
In this version of the rhyme, there were only three little mice and the lyrics were:

“Three little mice sat down to spin,
Pussy passed by and she peeped in.
What are you at, my fine little men?
Making coats for gentlemen.
Shall I come in and cut off your threads?
Oh, no, Miss Pussy, you’d bite off our heads!”

The nursery rhyme teaches that vanity can lead to dangerous situations and that not all compliments are sincere but they may have ulterior motives.

“Six Little Mice”Lyrics

Six little mice sat down to spin,
Pussy cat passed and she peeped in.
What are you doing, my little men?
Weaving coats for gentlemen.
Shall I come in and cut off your threads?
No, no, pussy cat, you’d bite off our heads!
Oh, no, I’ll not, I’ll help you spin.
That may be so, but you don’t come in.

There is also a finger play associated with the song. At first the parent holds five fingers out, then waves the ducks goodbye (when they swim away), then makes motions signalling a chatter when the duck quacks and finally holds up four fingers when only four ducks come back. The finger play is then repeated for all verses with the appropriate number of fingers.

“Five Little Ducks”Lyrics

Five Little Ducks went out one day, over the hills and far away.
Mother Duck said, “Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack,” but only four little ducks came back.

Four little ducks went out one day, over the hills and far away
Mother Duck said, “Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack,” but only three little ducks came back.

(Repeat counting down to “but no little ducks came back.”)
Sad mother duck went out one day, over the hills and far away
Mother Duck said, “Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack,” and five little ducks came back.

Five Little Monkeys Finger Play

The song has an associated fingerplay, each verse being represented by an action. First the number of the monkeys left jumping on the bed is shown, followed by a hand falling and tapping one’s head (signifying a bump in the head). This is followed by a hand gesture mimicking a telephone call (calling the doctor) and wagging the finger during the last part (No more monkeys jumping on the bed).

“Five Little Monkeys” Lyrics

Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell down and bumped his head,
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!

Four little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell down and bumped his head,
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!

Three little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell down and bumped her head,
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell down and bumped his head,
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!

One little monkey jumping on the bed,
She fell down and bumped her head,
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
Put those monkeys back to bed!

“Five Little Monkeys” Video

He was a Philadelphian music publisher and critic with a wonderful sense of humour.
You can read the original verse here – it’s very funny!

“Oh Where, Oh Where, Has My Little Dog Gone?” Lyrics

Oh where, oh where has my little dog gone?
Oh where, oh where can he be?
With his ears cut short and his tail cut long,
Oh where, oh where can he be?

“Hickety, Pickety, My Black Hen” Lyrics

Hickety pickety, my black hen,
She lay’s eggs for gentlemen;
Sometimes nine, sometimes ten,
Hickety pickety, my black hen.

Although by today’s standards that doesn’t seem a great number, the population as a whole was only around 5 million people. With no other method of getting money, they were forced to beg in the city streets. The velvet gowns no doubt refer to stolen property.

There is another version of this rhyme in which the fourth line says, ‘And one in a velvet gown.’ This has brought forward a theory that the beggars were in fact the Dutch, who came to England in 1688 and their King, William III is thought to be the one in the velvet gown.

“Hark, Hark! The Dogs Do Bark” Lyrics

Hark, hark, the dogs do bark,
The beggars are coming to town
Some in rags, and some in jags,
And some in velvet gowns.

We are not sure of its exact origins but most probably it dates back to the 19th century. It was first mentioned by John D. Rockefeller at the beginning of the 20th century.

The owl in this nursery rhyme is believed to be a symbol of wisdom. It is a very simple rhyme to learn for children and it can a successful tool to teach children the virtue of silence.

“A Wise Old Owl” Lyrics

A wise old owl lived in an oak
The more he saw the less he spoke
The less he spoke the more he heard.
Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird?

It was first published in London in the collection called “Mother Goose’s Melody” from 1765. There are no recorded evidences about the exact origin of the song. In its today’s form which dates back to the 19th century the lyrics have been slightly modified and the names of the birds have been replaced from Jack and Gill to Paul and Peter, the apostles.

“Two Little Dickie Birds” Finger-play

How to play:

It is played by an adult who is playing with both of his index fingers, pointing them so the child can see it well. One hand is for Peter, and one hand is for Paul.

At the line: “Two little dickie birds, Sitting on a wall” both hands are exposed to the child, alternatively playing with the index finger (while hiding the rest of the fingers).

At the next two lines, “One named Peter” and “One named Paul” only one finger will be moving, to attract the attention: first Peter’s hand and second Paul’s hand.

To the next lines: “Fly away Peter!” and “Fly away Paul!” your hands will fly one by one, hiding to the back and then they will come back with the next words: “Come Back Peter!” and “Come Back Paul!” again one by one.

“Two Little Dickie Birds” Lyrics

Two little dickie birds, Sitting on a wall;
One named Peter,
One named Paul.
Fly away Peter!
Fly away Paul!
Come Back Peter!
Come Back Paul!

It dates back to 18th century and the full version was first published in 1760 in” The Famous Tommy Thumb’s Little Story-Book”. The “This little piggy went to market” line was recorded before in an older nursery rhymes collection from 1728.

“This Little Piggy” finger-play

Each line of the rhyme is sung while pointing out one children’s toe, starting with the thumb toe to the pinky toe. It usually ends by tickling the foot on the line: “wee wee wee all the way home”.

“This Little Piggy” Lyrics

This little piggy went to the market,
This little piggy stayed home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none,
And this little piggy cried wee wee wee all the way home.

It was first published in 1805 in the collection book “Songs for the Nurseries”, London.

It is unsure who the lyrics of this rhyme refer to, but most probably the queen mentioned in Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat is Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603). Some other sources believe the queen mentioned in the rhyme is Caroline of Brunswick (1768-1821), wife of King George IV.

This particular rhyme is a very loved one, as it is easy to memorize for children.

The lyrics of the rhyme are:

“Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat” Lyrics

Pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been?
I’ve been down to London to visit the Queen.
Pussy cat, pussy cat, what did you there?
I frightened a little mouse, under her chair.

A similar version of this song called “Ohio (Old Macdougal Had a Farm) was first published in Tommy’s Tune collection, a compilation of songs dating back to the WWI era published in 1917. Some other different versions of the song were recorded even earlier than Tommy’s Tune book. Still it seems that this one is referred as first appropriate recorded variant.

An even older version of this song was discovered in 1908 in England, in “Workhouse Marylebone” a rest home in London”. The song was sung by an old lady, Mrs. Goodey and published in Cecil Sharp’s Collection of English Folk Songs.

The oldest known melody with an appropriate theme dating back to around 1719 is an opera piece, “The Kingdom of the Birds”, found in Thomas D’Urfey’s songs collection “Wit and Mirth: Or Pills to Purge Melancholy”

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm” Lyrics

Modern Version

Old MacDonald had a farm, EE-I-EE-I-O,
And on that farm he had a [animal name], EE-I-EE-I-O,
With a [animal noise twice] here and a [animal noise twice] there
Here a [animal noise], there a [animal noise], everywhere a [animal noise twice]
Old MacDonald had a farm, EE-I-EE-I-O.

Example: COW

Old MacDonald had a farm, EE-I-EE-I-O.
And on that farm he had a cow, EE-I-EE-I-O.
With a moo moo here and a moo moo there
Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo
Old MacDonald had a farm, EE-I-EE-I-O.

Or (removing the “with a” part)

Old MacDonald has a farm, EE-I-EE-I-O.
And on the farm he has a cow, EE-I-EE-I-O.
Moo moo here, moo moo there
Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo
Old MacDonald has a farm, EE-I-EE-I-O.

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm”
Original Version

Old Macdougal had a farm in Ohio-i-o,
And on that farm he had some dogs in Ohio-i-o,
With a bow-wow here, and a bow-wow there,
Here a bow, there a wow, everywhere a bow-wow.

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm”
Video

The lyrics belong to American writer Sarah Josepha Hale (1788-1879) and the musical sheet was written by the composer Lowel Mason in the 1830s.

The story of Mary Had a Little Lamb originates from a true story. It happened to a 14 year old girl whose name was Mary Sawyer who, encouraged by her brother, is taking her lamb with her to school. Of course she couldn’t keep her pet unnoticed and the lamb was soon everybody’s distraction, becoming famous for this.

There are some theories that the poem or part of it would be written by a young John Roulstone who was visiting the school that day.

“Mary Had Little Lamb” Facts

“Mary’s Little Lamb” was inspired by a true happening.

Today Mary’s Little Lamb statue can be found in Sterling, MA, after a fire destroyed Mary’s native house in August 2007.

Also her school, known as Redstone School (1798) has been removed, and can be found in Sudbury, MA on Longfellow’s Wayside Inn land.

The lyrics of “Mary had a Little Lamb” were the first words in the history captured by a phonograph. Thomas Edison recorded his own voice reciting the rhyme, around the year 1877.

“Mary Had a Little Lamb” Lyrics

Mary had a little lamb,
whose fleece was white as snow.

And everywhere that Mary went,
the lamb was sure to go.

It followed her to school one day
which was against the rules.

It made the children laugh and play,
to see a lamb at school.

And so the teacher turned it out,
but still it lingered near,

And waited patiently about,
till Mary did appear.

“Why does the lamb love Mary so?”
the eager children cry.

“Why, Mary loves the lamb, you know.”
the teacher did reply

This behavior is upsetting the Good Fairy who blames him for his actions and gives him three chances to change. As a punishment the little rabbit will be transformed into a goon. “Little Bunney Foo Foo” is a moral theme song, and it is sung accompanied by hand gestures.

The song has many known version, sometimes it is called “Little Rabbit Floo Floo” or some version spell it Flu Flu instead of Floo Floo.

Even the end of the story varies from one version to another, the most popular one ends with the rabbit punished, becoming a goon!

The song ends with the moral say: “HARE TODAY, GOON TOMORROW”

The story of Little Bunny Foo Foo is a very popular tale and is the subject of some illustrated books for kids. It also appears in the “Lenore, The Cute Little Dead Girl” a series of black comedy written by Roman Dirge.

A version of “Little Bunny Floo Floo” was sung in South Park, season 4 by Butters Stotch as” Something You Can Do with Your Finger”

“Little Bunny Foo Foo” Lyrics

Little Bunny Foo Foo
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
And down, down, down came the Good Fairy, and said:
“Little Bunny Foo Foo
I don’t want to see you
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
I’m going to give you three chances,
And if you don’t behave,
And then, I’m going to turn you into a…GOOOOOON!”
Little Bunny Foo Foo
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
And down, down, down came the Good Fairy, and said:
“Little Bunny Foo Foo
I don’t want to see you
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
I’m going to give you two more chances,
And if you don’t behave,
And then, I am going to turn you into a…GOOOOOON!”
Little Bunny Foo Foo
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
And down, down, down came the Good Fairy, and said:
“Little Bunny Foo Foo
I don’t like your attitude
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
I’m going to give you one more chance,
And if you don’t behave,
And then, I am definitely going to turn you into a…GOOOOOON!
And it won’t be pretty!”
Little Bunny Foo Foo
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
“That’s it.”
Then the Good Fairy came down,
And then she turned Little Bunny Foo Foo into a…GOOOOOON!
And the moral of the story is:
“HARE TODAY, GOON TOMORROW”.

Ladybugs, referred as ladybirds in the UK, have been always loved by little children, and not only. These red or yellow colored insects with black dots are very useful bugs for the farmers, as they save many plants from damages eating the aphids. They are also good fire alarms, running away from a place when it starts burning. Ladybirds have also become subject to superstitions, especially for kids.

The children are singing the rhyme when a ladybird lands on them, in order to make it fly away, as they believe that if they make a wish and the bug will fly away, the wish will become true. And also, there is a belief that to kill a ladybug brings you bad luck, so they sing this song to make the bug return home. This might have been an educational purpose of the song to teach children to protect the little bugs and not to harm or kill them.

The first recorded version of “Ladybird Ladybird” rhyme dates back to 1744, published in an English nursery rhymes collection. There are many accepted versions of the song, both in the USA and in the UK.

Below is a modern version of the song, published in the Helen Ferris’s collection “Favorite Poems Old and New, Selected for boys and girls” from 1957:

“Ladybird Ladybird” Lyrics

Lady-bird, Lady-bird, fly away home
the field mouse is gone to her nest
the daisies have shut up their sleepy red eyes
and the birds and the bees are at rest
Lady-bird, Lady-bird, fly away home
the glow worm is lighting her lamp
the dew’s falling fast, and your fine speckled wings
will flag with the close clinging damp
Lady-bird, Lady-bird, fly away home
the fairy bells tinkle afar
make haste or they’ll catch you and harness you fast
with a cobweb to Oberon’s star.

“Ladybird Ladybird” Modern Version

The most common modern version of the song is:

Ladybird, ladybird fly away home,
Your house is on fire and your children are gone,
All except one,
And her name is Ann,
And she hid under the baking pan

The origin of this song is not known, but it was first published in 1920, more as a song for adults in “Camp and camino in lower California” with the words “blooming, bloody” instead of “itsy bitsy”.

The actual version of “Itsy Bitsy Spider” was later printed in 1947 by the California Folklore Society in the Western Folklore collection. It appears as a nursery rhyme in 1948 in the American Folk Songs for Children a collection by Mike and Peggy Seeger, and in 1955 in Maxwell Slutz Stewart’ book “The Growing Family: A Guide for Parents”.

Itsy Bitsy Spider Finger Play

“Itsy Bitsy Spider”, more often recited than sung, is a finger-play rhyme for children. It tells the adventures of a Spider, named Itsy Bitsy (or Incy Wincy – more popular in England) who is going up and down, and up again, as the weather is chaining. The kids have to mimic its movements while singing the song, a very entertaining activity, useful to improve their manual dexterity.

The rhyme has more than one accepted versions as it follows:

“Itsy Bitsy Spider” Lyrics

“The itsy bitsy spider crawled up the water spout.
Down came the rain, and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain,
and the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again”

In other versions, “crawled” is replaced with “climbed” or” went”

“Incy Wincy Spider” Alternative Version

Incy Wincy spider climbing up the spout.
Down came the rain, and washed poor Incy out.
Up came the sun, and dried up all the rain
And Incy Wincy spider went climbing up again.

“Itsy Bitsy Spider” Video

The song was first published in 1830 in “The Child’s Song Book” and its lyrics have been attributed to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’s author, Jane Taylor.

“I love little pussy” lyrics have been changed lately as the term “pussy” has more a deprecatory meaning today. “But pussy and I, very gently will play” was replaced with “and her and I, very gently will play”. The term “pussy” can also be replaced with “kitty”

“I love little pussy” Lyrics

Original version:
I love little pussy,b
Her coat is so warm,
And if I don’t hurt her,
She’ll do me no harm.
So I’ll not pull her tail,
Nor drive her away,
But pussy and I,
Very gently will play.

Additional lyrics

Some versions have additional lyrics:

I’ll sit by the fire
and give her some food
and Pussy will love me
because I am good.

It was first recorded as “’Hickere, Dickere Dock” by Tommy Thumb in his Pretty Song Book collection, 1744, London.

Later, another version was published in Mother Goose’s Melody (1765) titled “Dickery Dock”. According to some sources, the song was composed by Oliver Goldsmith from Dublin, for a nursery rhymes collection.

There are two different tunes for this song, one sung in the UK and one in the USA.

At its origin, “Hickory Dickory Dock” was a counting-down song. Starting with a couple of sounds that imitate the clock sounds, “Hickory, dickory, dock” is an elementary tool to help teach children the time.

“Hickory Dickory Dock” Lyrics

Hickory, dickory, dock,
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory, dickory, dock

This traditional nursery rhyme dates back to the 18th century England. We don’t know the exact origins of ”Hey Diddle Diddle” but the first known version of the song was published in 1765 under the title “High Diddle Diddle”.

It is impossible to determine the exact meaning or origin of the term “diddle”. The expression “hey diddle diddle” was found in some Shakespeare’s works, and there is a connection of it with “hey nonny no” used in old English folk songs.

The lyrics of this song are very imaginative and hilarious, having a very positive impact over the children: It will make them laugh a lot and will also stimulate their imagination.

“Hey Diddle Diddle” Lyrics

Hey diddle diddle,
The Cat and the fiddle,
The Cow jumped over the moon,
The little Dog laughed to see such sport,
And the Dish ran away with the Spoon

The rhyme first appeared in 1548 titled “The frog came to the myl dur” (Scots language) in Wedderburn’s Complaynt of Scotland. The song was first recorded by Thomas Ravenscroft in 1611.

Also known as “Frog Went A Courtin”, “Froggy Went A Courtin” tells the story of Mr Frog who is asking Miss Mouse to marry him.

There are a couple of versions of this song, all of them telling roughly the same story.

Probably the most popular version that is popular with kids is the one that finishes with the marriage between Frog and Miss Mouse.

“Froggy Went A Courtin” Lyrics

Froggy went a courtin’ and he did ride, uh-huh
Froggy went a courtin’ and he did ride, uh-huh
Froggy went a courtin’ and he did ride
With a sword and a pistol by his side, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

He rode right up to Miss Mousie’s door, uh-huh
He rode right up to Miss Mousie’s door, uh-huh
He rode right up to Miss Mousie’s door
Gave three loud raps, and a very big roar, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh

He said, “Miss Mouse, will you marry me? uh-huh
He said, “Miss Mouse, will you marry me? uh-huh
He said, “Miss Mouse, will you marry me?
And oh so happy we will be, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

“Not without Uncle Rat’s consent”, uh-huh
“Not without Uncle Rat’s consent”, uh-huh
“Not without Uncle Rat’s consent”
“Would I marry the President,” uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

Uncle Rat, he went downtown, uh-huh
Uncle Rat, he went downtown, uh-huh
Uncle Rat, he went downtown
To buy his niece a wedding gown, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

Where shall the wedding supper be? uh-huh
Where shall the wedding supper be? uh-huh
Where shall the wedding supper be?
Way down yonder in the hollow tree, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

The first to come in was a bumble bee, uh-huh
The first to come in was a bumble bee, uh-huh
The first to come in was a bumble bee
With a big bass fiddle on his knee, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

Next to come in was the big black snake, uh-huh
Next to come in was the big black snake, uh-huh
Next to come in was the big black snake
He gobbled down the wedding cake, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

Little bit of biscuit on the shelf, uh-huh
Little bit of biscuit on the shelf, uh-huh
Little bit of biscuit on the shelf
If you want anymore you can sing it yourself, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

There are no many evidences about its origins and author.

Similar with the “Ten Green Bottles” each verse of the song is repeated: one by one all little frogs jump in the pool until none remains. It is a very entertaining song for the kids and it is sometimes used in conjunction with swimming lessons.

“Five Little Speckled Frogs” Lyrics

Five little speckled frogs
FIVE little speckled frogs
Sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs
Yum Yum.

One jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool
Then there were FOUR speckled frogs (OR) Now there are how many frogs? FOUR!
Glug Glug.

FOUR little speckled frogs
Sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs
Yum Yum.

One jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool
Then there were THREE speckled frogs (OR) Now there are how many frogs? THREE!
Glug Glug.

THREE little speckled frogs
Sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs
Yum Yum.

One jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool
Then there were TWO speckled frogs (OR) Now there are how many frogs? TWO!
Glug Glug.

TWO little speckled frogs
Sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs
Yum Yum.

One jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool
Then there was ONE speckled frog (OR) Now there are how many frogs? ONE!
Glug Glug.

ONE little speckled frog
Sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs
Yum Yum.

He jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool
Then there were NO speckled frogs (OR) Now there are how many frogs? NONE!
Glug Glug.

It is very hard to establish the exact origin of the song as it has so many accepted forms, in different languages and countries. Whilst there are versions of the first line of this rhyme in both German and Cornish, the two middle lines, it is agreed, undoubtedly originated from America. “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe” is part of a large collection of Counting-out rhymes, used in playground games, since the early 19th century.

The rhyme is used to choose who is ‘it’ in children’s games.

“Eeny, Meeny” Singing Game

How to play:

The song is made up from a number of syllables, (the counting out rhyme). It starts with a group of nonsense syllables and ends with a phrase that will indicate the game’s goal. Each syllable counts a child from a circle, and the game round finishes with the last kid pointed out.

Bellow are the lyrics of one of the accepted modern versions of the “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe” rhyme and also an older version. You can replace “catch a tiger” with any word (catch a boy, catch girl, etc) or any animal,  or when singing to baby you can say “catch a baby”.

“Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe” Lyrics

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe
Catch a tiger by the toe
If he hollers let him go,
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe
My mother told me
To pick the very best one
And you are [not] it.

“Eena, meena, mina, mo” Older Version

Eena, meena, mina, mo,
Catch a mouse by the toe;
If he squeals let him go,
Eeena, meena, mina, mo.

Its origin dates back to the 16th century England. The Ding Dong Bell rhyme was first recorded in 1580 by the organist of Winchester Cathedral, John Lant.

The expression Ding Dong Bell was used by Shakespeare in several of his plays. However most of those works were published only in 1623 in the First Folio (years after his death) and the exact use or meaning of this rhyme is uncertain.

The song was later converted for children, as they tend to take the words explicitly and there was concern they may be tempted to put the cats in the wells, or they could be affected by the violence of the word “killed”.

“Ding Dong Bell” Lyrics

Recommended version for kids:

Ding dong bell,
Pussy’s at the well.
Who took her there?
Little Johnny Hare.
Who’ll bring her in?
Little Tommy Thin.
What a jolly boy was that
To get some milk for pussy cat,
Who ne’er did any harm,
But played with the mice in his father’s barn

“Ding Dong Bell” Modern Version

Ding, dong, bell,
Pussy’s in the well.
Who put her in?
Little Johnny Green.
Who pulled her out?
Little Tommy Stout.
What a naughty boy was that,
To try to drown poor pussy cat,
Who ne’er did him any harm,
But killed all the mice in the farmer’s barn

“Ding Dong Bell” Original Version

First recorded version:
Jacke boy, ho boy newes,
the cat is in the well,
let us ring now for her Knell,
ding dong ding dong Bell

However, its lyrics originated in a similar story called “Phyllyp Sparowe” written and published by John Skelton around the early 1500s.

“Who Killed Cock Robin” Lyrics

Who killed Cock Robin?
I, said the Sparrow,
with my bow and arrow,
I killed Cock Robin.
Who saw him die?
I, said the Fly,
with my little eye,
I saw him die.
Who caught his blood?
I, said the Fish,
with my little dish,
I caught his blood.
Who’ll make the shroud?
I, said the Beetle,
with my thread and needle,
I’ll make the shroud.
Who’ll dig his grave?
I, said the Owl,
with my little trowel,
I’ll dig his grave.
Who’ll be the parson?
I, said the Rook,
with my little book,
I’ll be the parson.
Who’ll be the clerk?
I, said the Lark,
if it’s not in the dark,
I’ll be the clerk.
Who’ll carry the link?
I, said the Linnet,
I’ll fetch it in a minute,
I’ll carry the link.
Who’ll be chief mourner?
I, said the Dove,
I mourn for my love,
I’ll be chief mourner.
Who’ll carry the coffin?
I, said the Kite,
if it’s not through the night,
I’ll carry the coffin.
Who’ll bear the pall?
We, said the Wren,
both the cock and the hen,
We’ll bear the pall.
Who’ll sing a psalm?
I, said the Thrush,
as she sat on a bush,
I’ll sing a psalm.
Who’ll toll the bell?
I said the Bull,
because I can pull,
I’ll toll the bell.
All the birds of the air
fell a-sighing and a-sobbing,
when they heard the bell toll
for poor Cock Robin.

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.