Baa Baa Black Sheep
Vicky Arlidge Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full

One for the master
One for the dame
And one for the little boy
Who lives down the lane
Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full

One for the master
And one for the dame




And one for the little boy
Who lives down the lane

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Baa Baa Black Sheep" revolve around a conversation between the singer and the titular black sheep. The singer asks the sheep if it has any wool, and the sheep responds positively with "three bags full." The sheep then goes on to specify who each bag of wool belongs to - one for the master, one for the dame, and one for the little boy who lives down the lane. The song then repeats with the same lyrics, but with slightly different emphasis on who gets the wool.


Interpreting these lyrics may be difficult as they are simple and straightforward in nature. However, it is interesting to note that the song was originally written as a nursery rhyme and has been sung to children for centuries. The lyrics may have originally had a practical purpose, teaching children about the wool industry and how wool is distributed.


Additionally, the song has been subject to controversy in recent years due to claims of racial insensitivity. The use of the word "black" in the title has been criticized for its association with negative stereotypes about race. Some people have advocated for changing the lyrics to "Baa Baa Rainbow Sheep," while others argue that the historical context of the song should be taken into consideration and that the title should not be changed.


Line by Line Meaning

Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?
Asking a black sheep if he has any wool to offer.


Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full
The black sheep has a generous amount of wool with him.


One for the master
The first bag of wool is meant for the master


One for the dame
The second bag of wool is meant for the dame


And one for the little boy
The third bag of wool is meant for the little boy


Who lives down the lane
The little boy is a neighbor who lives nearby.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions