Skip to Content
HomeAbout this siteHelpSearch this site The Library of Congress
America's Story from America's LibraryMeet Amazing AmericansJump Back in TimeExplore the StatesJoin America at PlaySee, Hear and Sing
See, Hear and Sing Children's Songs
 
Children playing singing games, Eatonville, Florida, 1935.
Children playing singing games in Eatonville, Florida in 1935

Enlarge this image
Mary had a little lamb,
Little lamb, little lamb,
Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow

And everywhere that Mary went,
Mary went, Mary went,
Everywhere that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go

These are the first two verses of a popular children's song. Do you remember how the rest of it goes? Children's songs and singing games have existed for years in cultures all around the world. In the United States, children of all backgrounds play singing games. Songs have been passed down from generation to generation, but along the way the words and games have changed. Do any of the following songs sound familiar to you?


Children of resettlement families playing, 1939.
Big-Foot Rena
Mary Mack Dressed in ...
More Stories

Choose Another Subject

More Stories About Children's Songs
Children's Songs
Big-Foot Rena
"Call and Response Songs"
Mary Mack Dressed in ...
"Singing Games"
Who Do You Love?
"Sweetheart Songs"


Library Of Congress | Legal Notices | Privacy | Site Map | Contact Us