If Wishes were Horses
Rhyme Lyrics, Origins and History

Rhyme & History

The words of the Nursery Rhyme, 'If Wishes were Horses' reflect a bygone age of swords and tinkers! The origins of the rhyme date back to the 1600's. The first line dates back to 1670 when it was published as an English Proverb in John Ray's "Collection of Proverbs". The first known publication was in James Halliwell's "Nursery Rhymes of England" in 1844. Eventually it appeared in the later editions of the "Mother Goose" rhyme books!

If Wishes were Horses
Nursery Rhyme lyrics, origins and history

If Wishes were Horses...

If wishes were horses then beggars would ride,
If turnips were swords I'd have one by my side.
If 'ifs' and hands were pots and pans
There would be no need for tinkers hands!

Our thanks go to Roy Haslem for this verse which he believes
originated in Scotland

If Wishes were Horses...

If wishes were horses then beggars would ride,
If turnips were swords I'd have one by my side.
If 'ifs' and hands were pots and pans
There would be no need for tinkers hands!

Nursery Rhyme lyrics, origins and history

If Wishes were Horses...

 Lost Lyrics of Old Nursery Rhymes    
Nursery rhyme lyrics and possible origins may vary according to location