There was an Old Woman
 Nursery Rhyme
Lyrics, Origins and History

We have placed this Nursery Rhyme in our category 'Lost Lyrics of an Old Nursery Rhyme'. Can you help us identify the the place of origin or history of this lesser known children's nursery rhyme? Alternatively, do you know of any Nursery Rhymes that we might include in this unusual section? Can you remember a nursery rhyme that we have not included? Please e-mail us with any suggestions and become part of our Nursery Rhyme site ( we will credit you with any additions!) Help us to maintain our history and heritage through the words and lyrics of the humble Nursery Rhyme, we'd love to hear from you!

Help us to maintain our history and heritage through the words and lyrics of old Nursery Rhymes like ' There was an old woman Tossed up in a basket '

There was an Old Woman tossed up in a basket

Nursery Rhyme lyrics, origins and history

There was an old woman
Tossed up in a basket
Seventeen times as high as the moon.
Where she was going
I just had to ask it,
For in her hand she carried a broom.

"Old woman, old woman,
Old woman," said I,
"Please tell me, please tell me,
Why you're up so high?"
"I'm sweeping the cobwebs
Down from the sky,
And I'll be with you
By and by."

There was an Old Woman tossed up in a basket

Alternative lyrics to last lines
Our grateful thanks go to Victor Bertolaso who remembered other words to this song {from about 1935}, sung to the tune of 'Lilibolero".

"Old woman, old woman,
Old woman," say I,
Whither oh whither,
Oh wither so high?"
"To sweep the cobwebs from sky."
"May I go with you ?"
"Yea, By and by."

Jon White from Dorset has also pointed out that the tune to the nursery rhyme 'Old Woman Tossed Up' has been used as a Morris Dance music for many years. Thanks Jon!

Nursery Rhyme lyrics, origins and history

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Nursery rhyme lyrics and possible origins may vary according to location