“Georgie Porgie” is a very popular traditional English nursery rhyme, dating back to the 19th century.
The song was first published with different lyrics, in James Orchard Halliwell’s collection in 1840.
The author George Bernard Shaw (born 1856) refers to the lyrics of Georgie Porgie from his childhood, so this version must be at least that old.
Although there are no evidences about this, the lyrics of “Georgie Porgie” are a reference to the 1st Duke of Buckingham, the courtier George Villiers (1592–1628).
The romantic story of George Villiers and Anne of Austria (Queen of France and the wife of King Louis XIII), also mentioned in the “The Three Musketeers” was almost overlooked as a result of his friendship with King James I.
He had a great influence over the King, helping also to arrange the marriage between Charles I (King James’s son) with Princess Henrietta Maria. He attracted the disapproval of the Parliament and finally he couldn’t take advantage of the King’s friendship and influence anymore.
Bellow you can find the most well known version of the song, and also the original version of it:
“Georgie Porgie” Lyrics
Georgie Porgie, Puddin’ and Pie,
Kissed the girls and made them cry,
When the boys came out to play
Georgie Porgie ran away
“Georgie Porgie” Original Version
Rowley Powley, pudding and pie,
Kissed the girls and made them cry;
When the girls began to cry,
Rowly Powley runs away.