Song of my childhood…

This Old Man: is a classic counting rhyme that teaches children about numbers and their sequence. The rhyme has a distinct rhyming pattern, with the base lines remaining constant in every verse. The rhyme was first published in 1937 by Anne Gilchrist, a nursery rhymes collector. However, similar versions were collected in England in the early 20th century with a variety of lyrics, including one published in 1906 by Cecil Sharp and Sabine Baring-Gould. In 1948, Pete Seeger and Ruth Crawford included the rhyme in their American Folk Songs for Children, and Seeger recorded it in 1953. The rhyme’s popularity increased when composer Malcolm Arnold adapted it for the 1958 film The Inn of the Sixth Happiness as “The Children’s Marching Song”. Cyril Stapleton and Mitch Miller both had hit singles with their versions of the song, both making the Top 40.

Most sources I’ve found believe “This Old Man” refers to the influx of Irish beggars going door to door in England after the famine, either to sell knickknacks or to literally play a rhythm called “nick-nacks” using spoons in hopes of getting some change.

Some say that the song’s lyrics contain derogatory content and are unsuitable for storytime. The song includes the term “Paddywhack”, which is widely interpreted as offensive to Irish people. 

“This Old Man” may also refer to a song book by Don Sullivan that features a peaceful dinosaur living the country life. The book includes sing-along lyrics to the classic rhyme on every spread.

Enjoy your day, Vic and Nahi!