Table of Contents
London Bridge Is Falling Down is a classic nursery rhyme that children love for its easy rhythm, repetitive lines, and playful storytelling about a bridge needing repairs. Kids enjoy singing it in groups, especially when paired with simple movements that make the experience lively and interactive. This timeless rhyme also supports early learning by improving memory, vocabulary, sequencing, and listening skills while keeping little ones happily engaged.
London Bridge Is Falling Down Song Lyrics
The following London Bridge Is Falling Down words bring the familiar rhythm and playful story that children adore.
London Bridge is falling down,
Falling down, falling down,
London Bridge is falling down,
My fair Lady.
Build it up with wood and clay,
Wood and clay, wood and clay,
Build it up with wood and clay,
My fair Lady.
Wood and clay will wash away,
Wash away, wash away,
Wood and clay will wash away,
My fair Lady.
Build it up with bricks and mortar,
Bricks and mortar, bricks and mortar,
Build it up with bricks and mortar,
My fair Lady.
Bricks and mortar will not stay,
Will not stay, will not stay,
Bricks and mortar will not stay,
My fair Lady.
Build it up with iron and steel,
Iron and steel, iron and steel,
Build it up with iron and steel,
My fair Lady.
Iron and steel will bend and bow,
Bend and bow, bend and bow,
Iron and steel will bend and bow,
My fair Lady.
Build it up with silver and gold,
Silver and gold, silver and gold,
Build it up with silver and gold,
My fair Lady.
Silver and gold will be stolen away,
Stolen away, stolen away,
Silver and gold will be stolen away,
My fair Lady.
Set a man to watch all nigh,
Watch all night, watch all night,
Set a man to watch all night,
My fair Lady.
Suppose the man should fall asleep,
Fall asleep, fall asleep,
Suppose the man should fall asleep?
My fair Lady.
Give him a pipe to smoke all night,
Smoke all night, smoke all night,
Give him a pipe to smoke all night,
My fair Lady.
Other Versions of the London Bridge Is Falling Down Song
Many playful versions of London Bridge Is Falling Down exist across cultures, offering fun variations in lyrics, rhythm, and actions.
Version 1 – Bricks So Strong
Build it up with bricks so strong,
Bricks so strong, bricks so strong,
Build it up with bricks so strong,
My fair lady.
Bricks so strong will last so long,
Last so long, last so long,
Bricks so strong will last so long,
My fair lady.
Version 2 – Dance Over My Lady Lee
Dance over my Lady Lee,
Lady Lee, Lady Lee,
Dance over my Lady Lee,
My fair lady.
Step so light and merry be,
Merry be, merry be,
Step so light and merry be,
My fair lady.
Version 3 – Short Toddler Version
London Bridge is falling down,
Falling down, falling down,
London Bridge is falling down,
My fair lady.
Build it up with sticks and stones,
Sticks and stones, sticks and stones,
Build it up with sticks and stones,
My fair lady.
Gestures – How to Teach London Bridge Is Falling Down to Kids
Children learn best through movement, and this rhyme becomes even more enjoyable with simple actions. These gestures keep kids active, engaged, and excited to follow along.
Step-by-Step Gestures
- Form an arch with both hands overhead to act like the “bridge.”
- Slowly lower the arms when singing “falling down” to mimic the bridge collapsing.
- Pretend to sprinkle imaginary gold and silver when singing about “silver and gold.”
- Bend elbows gently while singing “bend and bow” to show the bridge becoming weak.
- Move hands side to side like waves to show “wash away.”
- End by joining hands with a partner and swaying gently to the rhythm.
History & Quick Facts
London Bridge Is Falling Down is believed to date back to the Medieval or early Tudor period, with the earliest known version published in the mid-1700s in England. While the exact author is unknown, the rhyme likely emerged from oral storytelling traditions and may have referenced the many times London Bridge required repair or rebuilding. Over time, it spread through Britain and later around the world, becoming one of the most recognized children’s songs thanks to its catchy tune and simple structure.
Interesting Facts
- The rhyme is centuries old and one of the oldest traditional English nursery songs.
- It has been translated into many languages, making it popular worldwide.
- The tune commonly used today was standardized in the 19th century.
- The rhyme may reference real historical repairs made to London Bridge.
- It is often used as a circle or play-acting game among children.
- Many countries have their own local adaptations of the song.
Suitable Age & Learnings
This rhyme is ideal for children aged 2 to 6 years because of its repetition, easy melody, and simple storyline. It encourages active participation and helps little learners build strong early literacy skills.
Key Learnings
- Builds early vocabulary through repeated and descriptive words.
- Helps children understand sequencing and story order.
- Supports listening and memory development.
- Teaches simple cause-and-effect concepts through the bridge-building theme.
- Encourages group play, cooperation, and social interaction.
- Introduces rhythm, rhyme, and phonemic awareness.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyming scheme of London Bridge Is Falling Down?
The rhyme generally follows an AABCCB pattern, with repeating lines that make it easy for children to remember and sing along.
2. Is London Bridge Is Falling Down based on a real event?
While the rhyme refers to London Bridge needing repairs, there is no single confirmed event behind it; instead, it reflects the bridge’s long history of wear and reconstruction.
London Bridge Is Falling Down is a timeless nursery rhyme that continues to delight children with its rhythm, repetition, and playful storyline. Whether sung at home, in school, or during group play, it offers plenty of opportunities for learning and movement. Parents and teachers can use the rhyme to build vocabulary, strengthen memory, and spark curiosity about history. With simple gestures and catchy lines, it remains a wonderful addition to any child’s rhyme time.
Explore Other Rhymes for Kids:
Humpty Dumpty Rhyme With Lyrics
The Wheels on the Bus Rhyme With Lyrics
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Rhyme With Lyrics
