Sing a Song of Sixpence
by Mother Goose
Sing a song of sixpence,
A pocket full of rye,
Four and twenty blackbirds
Baked in a pie.When the pie was opened
The birds began to sing—
Wasn’t that a dainty dish
To set before the king?The king was in the counting house
Counting out his money,
The queen was in the parlor
Eating bread and honey,The maid was in the garden
Hanging out the clothes.
Along came a blackbird
And snipped off her nose.
Understanding “Sing a Song of Sixpence”
“Sing a Song of Sixpence” is a classic nursery rhyme that is instantly recognizable and beloved by children. Beneath its simple surface lies a poem rich in imagery and, for some, historical context. It is a delightful tune to sing, but it is also a fascinating subject for analysis. At its heart the poem depicts a whimsical scene: a pie filled with blackbirds, a royal feast, and a seemingly random act of violence against a maid. Although the rhyme appears nonsensical, many theories attempt to decipher its true meaning, ranging from commentary on court life to coded messages for pirates.
What’s the Poem About?
The poem paints a picture of a world sharply divided by class. It moves from a song invoking abundance—“a pocket full of rye”—to a lavish royal court, and finally to the harsh reality of a working‑class maid. The stark contrast between the carefree atmosphere of the song and the violent act at the end is striking. The poem does not tell a story with a clear narrative arc; instead it offers a series of vivid snapshots.
Central Idea and Historical Context
While open to interpretation, the poem likely reflects commentary on the disparities of wealth and power in past societies. The lavish lifestyle of the king and queen is juxtaposed against the vulnerability of the maid. Some scholars believe the rhyme originated as a satirical dig at Henry VIII and his court, while others suggest a connection to pirate slang. Regardless of its origins, “Sing a Song of Sixpence” remains a captivating piece of folklore.
In‑Depth Analysis of the Poem
Stanza 1: Setting the Scene
“Sing a song of sixpence,
A pocket full of rye,
Four and twenty blackbirds
Baked in a pie.”
This opening stanza establishes a fantastical and somewhat absurd scenario. The “pocket full of rye” suggests abundance, while the image of twenty‑four blackbirds baked in a pie is bizarre. The number “twenty‑four” often represents a complete set or a large quantity. Thus the stanza sets a tone of playful exaggeration and hints that the poem is not meant to be taken literally.
Stanza 2: A Royal Presentation
“When the pie was opened
The birds began to sing—
Wasn’t that a dainty dish
To set before the king?”
The magic continues as the birds, though baked, come to life and sing when the pie is opened. This reinforces the poem’s whimsical nature. The phrase “dainty dish” emphasizes the luxury of the royal court. The rhetorical question “Wasn’t that a dainty dish?” highlights the perceived magnificence of the unusual offering and suggests such displays of wealth are common for the king.
Stanza 3: The King and Queen’s Duties
“The king was in the counting house
Counting out his money,
The queen was in the parlor
Eating bread and honey.”
In this stanza the king and queen perform their traditional roles. The king’s act of counting out his money symbolizes wealth and power, while the queen’s eating of bread and honey represents leisure and indulgence. The simple phrasing emphasizes the contrast between their opulent lifestyle and the likely hardships faced by others. These activities appear unchanging and represent a fixed social order.
Stanza 4: A Shocking Turn
“The maid was in the garden
Hanging out the clothes.
Along came a blackbird
And snipped off her nose.”
The final stanza delivers a jarring twist. The maid, engaged in mundane labor, becomes the victim of a violent act. The abruptness of the attack is shocking, and the image of the blackbird snipping off her nose is particularly gruesome. This stark contrast to the earlier scenes of royal indulgence suggests a harsh reality underlying the surface glamour. It reminds readers that while the royalty lives in extravagance, others suffer the consequences.
Literary and Poetic Devices at Play
Rhyme Scheme and Rhythm
The poem employs a simple yet effective ABAB rhyme scheme throughout, which contributes to its musicality and makes it easy to remember. The consistent rhythm enhances the poem’s memorability and appeals to young children.
Imagery
The poem is rich in vivid imagery, from the “pocket full of rye” to the “dainty dish” and the shocking image of the snipped nose. These images create a strong visual impact and bring the poem to life.
Alliteration and Consonance
Subtle use of alliteration and consonance adds to the poem’s musicality. For example, the repetition of the “s” sound in “Sing a song” and the “b” sound in “Baked in a pie” create a pleasing auditory effect.
Symbolism
Several elements in the poem can be interpreted symbolically. The blackbirds may represent freedom or untamed nature. The pie could symbolize confinement or the artificiality of court life. The maid’s nose, a prominent facial feature, could symbolize her identity or vulnerability.
Rhetorical Question
The question “Wasn’t that a dainty dish?” is a rhetorical device. It does not seek an answer but emphasizes the extravagance and perceived beauty of the offering to the king.
Quotes for Teaching and Exploration
The following lines are particularly useful for teaching phonics, rhythm, and imagery:
“Sing a song of sixpence,
A pocket full of rye,
Four and twenty blackbirds
Baked in a pie.”
These lines also provide a great starting point for creative writing exercises, such as writing a sequel or exploring the characters’ motivations.
“Sing a Song of Sixpence” is more than just a nursery rhyme; it is a miniature world brimming with imagery, symbolism, and potential meaning. Whether viewed as a whimsical tale or as commentary on social inequality, it continues to captivate and inspire readers of all ages.