The United Kingdom has a rich and wonderful tradition of nursery rhymes, children's songs and folk tunes. Click the regions listed below for songs from different areas or click Mother Goose to explore that beloved collection.
Here are some of Mama Lisa's recent posts about the music, culture and traditions of the United Kingdom:
Here?s a poem about a man who tries to catch a Leprechaun so he can become rich! It was written by the Irish poet William Allingham (1824?1889). I?ve included definitions of any uncommon words below the poem. After that you can hear a recording of it. The Leprechaun or Fairy Shoemaker I. Little Cowboy, what have you heard,... Read more »- The history of April Fools Day? Read more »
We’ve had many, many comments on our post about the song The Worms Crawl In, The Worms Crawl Out. Here’s a new one by Kai Patsches (U.S.), that I found particularly fun and interesting… When I was younger, every time we would pass a graveyard in the car we had to put one foot in the... Read more »
How is the old nursery rhyme "See Saw Sack-a-day" connected to a recent royal groom? Find out on Mama Lisa’s House of Nursery Rhymes! Read more »- Jane Miller wrote to me from a library in Canada asking for help with a song. Here’s her email: Dear Lisa We have had an inquiry on the following folk song. Our inquirer’s mother sang it to him in the 1930’s. She emigrated to Canada from Scotland aged 10, so he thinks the song could be... Read more »
1. Put your eggs in a single layer in a pot. These are Large Eggs… 2. Cover with cold water. The water should cover the eggs plus go over them by an inch. Some people add salt to the water to make it easier to peel the eggs later. 3. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat. 4. ... Read more »- I received this question in my email recently: I am trying to remember a story or poem from my childhood in the early 60s about a talkative little girl who got the nickname Chatter Chin. I have tried googling it without any luck. Can you help? If anyone can help, please comment below. Thanks! Mama Lisa Read more »
- Bernard’s daughter used to sing the song below with an American friend of hers. Could anyone record the tune or point to an online recording? Thanks! When Billy Boy was one, he learned to suck his thumb, Thumb Billy, thumb Billy, half past one. When Billy Boy was two, he learned to tie his shoe, Shoe Billy, shoe... Read more »
- Sheila wrote from North Carolina asking about a circle dance song: I sang this in kindergarten 55 years ago. I don?t know the correct spelling of these words, but this is what the refrain sounded like… Mumbo, hot-toe, mata relay, relay Mumbo, hot-toe mata relay relay roan. It was a circle dance with one child in the middle,... Read more »
- Here’s a selected passage from a poem about the new year… THE NEW YEAR Who comes dancing over the snow, His soft little feet all bare and rosy? Open the door, though the wild winds blow, Take the child in and make him cosey. Take him in and hold him dear, He is the wonderful glad New Year. by Dinah Maria Mulock. Read more »
RELATED LINKS
Folk Music of England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and America
(In English)
Historical Information and Background for traditional tunes from Britain, Ireland and America, circa 1650 to 1900.
