"Hey Diddle Diddle" is a popular nursery rhyme.Many cultures (though not all; see below) feature children's songs and verses that are passed down by oral tradition from one generation to the next (either from parent to child, or from older children to younger children). In the English language, the term "nursery rhyme" generally refers to those of European origin, and the best known examples are English and originated in or since the 17th century. Their origins were possibly a form of oral political cartoon, from an era when free speech could get the speaker imprisoned. Nursery rhymes, however, are often violent in nature, for example, in Jack and Jill, Jack fell down and "Broke his crown"- meaning breaking his skull.
Some nursery rhymes, however, are substantially older. "Sing a Song of Sixpence" exists in written records as far back as the Middle Ages. Some well known nursery rhymes originated in the United States, such as "Mary had a little lamb".
Head Shoulders Knees And Toes
Nursery Rhymes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Knees and toes
Head and shoulders knees and toes
Knees and toes
Ad eyes and ears
And mouth and nose
Head and shoulders knees and toes
Knees and toes
Feet and tummies arms and chins
Arms and chins
Feet and tummies arms and chins
Arms and chins
And eyes and ears
And mouth and shins
Feet and tummies arms and chins
Arms and chins
Hands and fingers legs and lips
Legs and lips
Hands and fingers legs and lips
Legs and lips
And eyes and ears
And mouth and hips
Hands and fingers legs and lips
Legs and lips
Repeat first verse
The lyrics to the nursery rhyme song "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" follows a simple pattern of identifying and pointing out specific body parts in repetition. The song begins by mentioning the head, shoulders, knees, and toes, which are important body parts that are essential for movement and posture. As the song progresses, it mentions other body parts such as eyes, ears, mouth, nose, feet, tummies, arms, chins, hands, fingers, legs, and lips that are also important in our daily lives.
The rhyme is often used to help children memorize body parts and their names, as well as for developing listening skills, coordination, and gross motor skills. As the children sing along and move their bodies, they are also provided with a fun and interactive way to learn about their physical anatomy. The repetition of the song aids in the retention of the information, thus making it easier for children to remember and recall the body parts mentioned.
In conclusion, the nursery rhyme song "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" serves as a creative and entertaining way to introduce children to their own physical bodies and the essential parts that make them function.
Line by Line Meaning
Head and shoulders knees and toes
This song is about different parts of the body, specifically the head, shoulders, knees, and toes.
Knees and toes
The song repeats these four body parts again, emphasizing their importance.
Ad eyes and ears
And mouth and nose
The song adds the eyes, ears, mouth, and nose to the list of body parts being mentioned.
Feet and tummies arms and chins
The song expands the list of body parts to include feet, tummies, arms, and chins. These are also important parts of the body.
Arms and chins
The song repeats these two body parts, further emphasizing their importance.
And eyes and ears
And mouth and shins
Once again, the song adds the eyes, ears, and mouth to the list, but replaces nose with shins.
Hands and fingers legs and lips
The song introduces the hands, fingers, legs, and lips as additional important parts of the body.
Legs and lips
The song repeats these two body parts, further emphasizing their importance.
And eyes and ears
And mouth and hips
In this final verse, the song again mentions eyes, ears, and mouth, but replaces shins with hips.
Repeat first verse
The song repeats the first verse, emphasizing the importance of the original four body parts: head, shoulders, knees, and toes.
Writer(s): Liz Radford, Traditional, Gavin Courtie
Contributed by Bailey B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.