My August Dark Origins post discusses the English nursery rhyme, “Who Killed Cock Robin”. It never fails to amaze me how far back in time some of these possible origins go. Thanks for hosting, Kaye Lynne Booth.
“Who Killed Cock Robin” is an English nursery rhyme which is believed to be ancient although the earliest record of the rhyme is in Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book published in 1744. This version only contained the first four verses. The longer version was first printed in approximately 1770.
You can listen to a lovely rendition of “Who Killed Cock Robin” here:
Continue reading here: https://writingtoberead.com/2023/08/23/dark-origins-who-killed-cock-robin-an-english-nursery-rhyme-darkorigins-nurseryrhymes/
roberta-writes.com 
I used to have a book called “The Annotated Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes.” I gave histories of all the poems and their origins and it was fascinating. I don’t have the book anymore and it is long out of print. So many nursery rhymes were coded stories of bad behavior by the Royals.
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Hi Marilyn, yes, you are spot on. I’ve heard of that book, it’s referenced in the research material.
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An especially good post, Robbie. I left a comment on the other blog. 🙂
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Hi Mae, I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post 💕
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Excellent, Robbie. Delving into the dark origins of nursery rhymes is fascinating.
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Hi Tim, I enjoy it. I always learn new things 💕
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Truly one of the bizarre nursery rhymes – I’d heard that Cock Robin actually referred to Robin Hood and his band of men.
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Hi Jan, that isn’t even mentioned in the research. My mom thought it referred to Queen Elizabeth I’s lover.
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In the Three Stooges short Disorder in the Court, the murder victim’s name is a play on this rhyme (Kirk Robin).
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Hi Andrew, thank you for that interestin piece of information 😊
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You’re welcome. In fact, I think there was also a confession note that played on the rhyme as well.
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Yes, I do believe that comes from the newer and alternative ending which I didn’t include in this post.
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Terrific Robbie!
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👍 thanks, John
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Heading over to read, Robbie.
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Thanks, Miriam
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This is fascinating. Thank you 💕
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My pleasure, Leslie. I’m pleased you enjoyed this post.
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Robbie, fantastic research to a nursery rhyme I’ve never come across before. I’d never thought of these children’s verses having such possible dark histories behind them and wonder if there could even be a mixture of some of them, with later additions? The video is lovely and gives a good illustration of the natural kingdom but poor sparrow!
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Hi Annika, I’m glad you enjoyed that video. I liked it too. Many of the nursery rhymes and early children’s books have very dark origins. It is true that some evolve over time. This nursery rhymes has a much newer ending that has been added over time. I didn’t include it here though.
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Well now … I admit not knowing this one. I wonder if it is taught these days – a time of political correctness. Thanks for the introduction!
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True. Most of the jungles/nursery rhymes: Mary Mary how does your garden grow/ Ring around the Roses— have a dark side.
Thanks for the share xoxox
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Hi Selma, that is quite right. I do enjoy delving into this folklore and finding out more about the origins of nursery rhymes and stories.
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Great post!
Went over to Writing to be Read. You do bang up job, Roberta. Thank you!
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Hi Resa, I am so glad you enjoyed this article. I do enjoy researching the origins of stories and nursery rhymes. There is always something new I didn’t know. I like to quote Rebecca’s “life long learner” mind set.
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How interesting, Robbie!
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HI Chris, I’m glad you liked this post. I’ve started your book today.
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I’m so pleased, Robbie. I really hope you enjoy it.
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I taught Children’s Lit back then, and I discovered so many “odd” origins about most of our well loved classic children’s stories and nursery rhyme. I’ve read about this too in one of my research.
Thank you Robbie for reminding me of this.
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