CHANCES are, you’ve heard some of these popular nursery rhymes as a child… but did you know that they all have sinister hidden meanings?
From adultery, to slave labour, to fighting off the plague, the connotations behind these jolly songs are far from child friendly.
Here are the creepy meanings behind seven well-known nursery rhymes…
1. Jack and Jill
This traditional British story dates all the way back to the 17th century, and the phrase “Jack and Jill” was even used by Shakespeare.
One of the most shocking theories behind the nursery rhyme comes from a village north of Somerset, known as Kilmersdon.
In 1697, rumour has it that two randy local residents hid their affair from their partners by romping up on the hill.
The two love-rats didn’t get their fairytale ending though, as the legend claims that Jack died from falling on a rock and Jill passed away during childbirth.
2. Ring a Ring o’ Roses
This catchy tune has got to be one of the catchiest playground chants of all time.
The song, which comes complete with a fun dance, involves holding hands in a circle before dropping to the floor.
Ring a Ring o’ Roses is believed to be of Pagan origin, with urban legend suggesting that it was used to ward off the Black Death during the Great Plague of London.
They all fall down is exactly what happened!
Leading experts in nursery rhymes Peter and Iona Opie explain that the “falling down” mentioned in the song is a reference to death.
They revealed: “A rosy rash, they allege, was a symptom of the plague, and posies of herbs were carried as protection and to ward off the smell of the disease.
“Sneezing or coughing was a final fatal symptom, and 'all fall down' was exactly what happened.”
3. Oranges and Lemons
Merry song Oranges and Lemons has a meaning which is anything but.
There’s no doubt that there are sinister undertones to this kids’ classic as the lyrics are littered with references to the criminal justice system.
In the words, there’s mention of “the bells of Old Bailey” and the “chopper to chop off your head”.
Worryingly, in the 17th Century, the sound of bells chiming would signal the time for a criminal to be executed.
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Another interpretation is even less suitable for children, as it claims the song is all about a women losing her virginity on her wedding night.
The suggestion claims that "Old Father Baldpate" is a reference to a man’s member, and that the chopping off of the head is an innuendo for the wife popping her cherry.
4. See-Saw Margery Daw
Sadly, this rhyme isn’t all about having fun on a see-saw in the playground.
Lyrics suggest that the song is actually about the gruelling conditions for child workers in the Victorian period.
It’s believed that the tune was created to taunt the poor kids who were forced to earn a living in work houses.
The cruel words read: “Seesaw Margery Daw, Johnny shall have a new master.
“He shall earn but a penny a day, because he can't work any faster.”
5. Rub a dub dub
Thought this song was just about taking a nice dip in the bath?
The meaning's actually a lot more raunchy than anyone would care to imagine.
For all these years, parents have been unwittingly singing their kids a tune about men spying on naked women washing themselves.
The sight, which “was enough to make a man stare” describes the exciting moment three maids are caught stripping off for a bath.
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