London Bridge Is Falling Down
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 night,
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.
What the Poem Says (Summary)
“London Bridge Is Falling Down” is a traditional nursery rhyme recounting the repeated collapse of London Bridge. Each stanza proposes a different building material – wood and clay, bricks and mortar, iron and steel, and finally, silver and gold – attempting to rebuild the bridge, only to find each material inadequate. The rhyme concludes with a seemingly simple solution: stationing a guard to watch over the bridge, but even this is undermined by the potential for human fallibility. The repeated line, “My fair lady,” adds a layer of gentle personification throughout the poem. The poem is deceptively simple, hinting at themes of impermanence and the challenges of maintaining even the most important structures.
How the Poem Works (Analysis)
Repetition and Rhythm: The Song of the Bridge
The most immediately noticeable feature of “London Bridge Is Falling Down” is its relentless repetition. The phrase “falling down” and the refrain “My fair lady” echo throughout, creating a strong rhythmic pulse that makes the poem easy to memorize and sing. This repetition isn’t merely decorative; it emphasizes the cyclical nature of the bridge’s destruction and rebuilding. Consider the opening lines: “London Bridge is falling down, / Falling down, falling down, / London Bridge is falling down, / My fair lady.” The repeated “falling down” drives home the sense of instability. The rhythm, predominantly trochaic (stressed-unstressed), contributes to the song like quality, making it particularly appealing to young children.
Personification and Metaphor: Giving the Bridge a Soul
The consistent use of “My fair lady” is a prime example of personification. The bridge, an inanimate structure, is treated as a woman deserving of care and attention. This seemingly arbitrary addition infuses the poem with a sense of tenderness. It transforms the task of rebuilding the bridge from a purely practical endeavor to an act of protection and devotion. The bridge isn’t simply a pathway; it’s something to be cherished. The materials used – wood, clay, bricks, etc. – are not just building components; they represent attempts to ‘clothe’ or ‘adorn’ the ‘lady’ with strength and beauty.
Imagery and Sound: Painting a Picture with Words
Though simple, the poem’s imagery is effective. Phrases like “wood and clay will wash away” and “iron and steel will bend and bow” create vivid pictures in the listener’s mind. These images highlight the fragility of the bridge and the limitations of each building material. The auditory elements of the poem are equally important. Alliteration, such as in “build it up with bricks,” and consonance, like in “falling down, falling down,” contribute to the poem’s sing song quality. These sound devices make the poem memorable and enjoyable to recite. The gentle cadence of the language emphasizes the poem’s soothing, almost lullaby like quality.
Irony and Humor: The Inevitable Fall
There’s a subtle irony woven into the poem’s structure. Each verse proposes a stronger material than the last, yet each attempt ultimately fails. This suggests that no matter how robust the construction, something will always threaten the bridge’s stability. The humor is gentle and understated. The idea of using silver and gold, valuable and impractical building materials, is amusing, particularly in contrast to the more common options. This contrast reinforces the poem’s underlying message that even the most ambitious endeavors are subject to limitations. The final stanza, with its suggestion of a sleepy guard, adds another layer of gentle humor, highlighting the fallibility of human oversight.
Symbolism: More Than Just a Bridge
While seemingly a simple children’s rhyme, “London Bridge Is Falling Down” can be interpreted on a symbolic level. The bridge itself represents not only the physical structure connecting different parts of London, but also the connections between people and cultures. The repeated collapses can symbolize the challenges and setbacks faced by any community. The ongoing efforts to rebuild the bridge represent the resilience and determination of the people to overcome these challenges. Furthermore, the poem can be seen as a metaphor for the impermanence of life and the inevitable decay of all things.
Why Children Love It (Interpretation)
Children are naturally drawn to the poem’s simple, repetitive structure and its sing song rhythm. The repetitive lines act as a chorus, inviting participation and making the poem easy to memorize. The personification of the bridge as “My fair lady” adds a touch of whimsy and encourages empathy. Children can imagine themselves caring for the bridge, protecting it from harm. The poem’s playful tone and gentle humor make it enjoyable and engaging for young listeners. The poem’s simplicity belies a deeper understanding of perseverance and the need for constant care.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Repetition: Explore how repetition enhances memorability and creates a sense of rhythm in poetry.
- Personification and Symbolism: Discuss how assigning human qualities to inanimate objects or using symbols can add layers of meaning to a poem.
- Sound Devices: Analyze how alliteration, consonance, and other sound devices contribute to the musicality and impact of a poem.
- Universal Themes: Encourage students to identify and discuss the universal themes of perseverance, resilience, and the impermanence of life that are present in the poem.
“London Bridge Is Falling Down” is more than just a nursery rhyme. It’s a testament to the enduring power of simplicity, repetition, and the human spirit. It’s a reminder that even in the face of inevitable setbacks, we can always rebuild, renew, and persevere.