Simple Simon

Nursery Rhyme & History

Origin of the lyrics to "Simple Simon"
In the days before fast food and convenience stores were invented food was sold from street sellers from trays of food. A fair was an extremely popular place to sell 'your ware' The tradition and history of fairs dates back to Medieval England. The term 'Adieu' meaning 'Goodbye' is no longer used  in the English language but will never be lost forever due to rhymes such as Simple Simon! The modern day version of Simple Simon can be found in the song and a game where children have to do exactly what "Simple Simon" says!

Picture of Southwark Fair, in London

Simple Simon poem

Simple Simon met a pieman going to the fair;
Said Simple Simon to the pieman "Let me taste your ware"
Said the pieman to Simple Simon "Show me first your penny"
Said Simple Simon to the pieman "Sir, I have not any!"

Simple Simon went a-fishing for to catch a whale;
All the water he had got was in his mother's pail.
Simple Simon went to look if plums grew on a thistle;
He pricked his fingers very much which made poor Simon whistle.
He went for water in a sieve but soon it all fell through;
And now poor Simple Simon bids you all "Adieu"

Simple Simon poem

note: A Rhymes lyrics and the perceived origins of some Nursery Rhymes vary according to location