Baa, Baa, Black Sheep (nursery rhyme)
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Baa Baa Black Sheep is a nursery rhyme, set to a variant of the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star tune.
- 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.
A further (satirical) attempt at distancing the song from racism called for its name to be changed to "Baa, Baa, Green Sheep" when taught in schools. A part of this song is included in KoRn's Shoots and Ladders.
Origins
This song was written to help children associate wool with the animal that produces it, and also the sound that a sheep would make. Baa Baa Black Sheep was first published in 1744. It probably dates back to the Middle Ages, possibly to the 13th Century, and relates to a tax imposed by the king on wool. One-third went to the local lord (the 'master'), one-third to the church (referred to as the 'dame') and about a third was for the farmer (the 'little boy who lives down the lane').
- [The Origins of Nursery Rhymes]
- [Possible Intent of Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes]
- [History and Origin of Mother Goose's Ba Ba Black Sheep rhyme]
Parodies
In 2005, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America released two public service announcements, each depicting a young child singing a parody of a nursery rhyme. One, a parody of "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep", referred to MDMA dealers with lyrics like this:- Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any E?
- Yes sir, yes sir, first hit's free.
See also
References
External links
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