"London Bridge Is Falling Down" is a traditional nursery rhyme and game that has been passed down through many generations. The origins of the rhyme date back to the 17th century, and it has been sung by children for centuries. The "falling down" part of the rhyme is not about a recent event but refers to the different bridges that have had problems in the past. So when kids sing "London Bridge Is Falling Down," they're singing about the history of the bridge and the different challenges it has faced over time.
London Bridge is falling down
Falling down, falling down
London Bridge is falling down
My fair lady
Build it up with iron bars
Iron bars, iron bars
Build it up with iron bars
My fair lady
Iron bars will bend and break
Bend and break, bend and break
Iron bars will bend and break
My fair lady
Build it up with gold and silver
Gold and silver, gold and silver
Build it up with gold and silver
My fair lady
Gold and silver we've not got
We've not got, we've not got
Gold and silver we've not got
My fair lady
London Bridge is falling down
Falling down, falling down
London Bridge is falling down
My fair lady
London Bridge is falling down
Falling down, falling down
London Bridge is falling down
My fair lady
The song talks about the London Bridge, a famous bridge in London, England, that was built over the River Thames. The bridge was often rebuilt or repaired because it kept falling down. This is why the song says "London Bridge is falling down." The song also mentions a variety of materials that were used to build the bridge, like silver and gold, iron, and wood. Each verse ends with a question: "Build it up with wood and clay, Wood and clay will wash away. Build it up with bricks and mortar, Bricks and mortar will not fall." So, when kids sing "London Bridge Is Falling Down," they're not just singing a fun song. They're also learning about a piece of history and how things were built in the past. And they're having fun at the same time!
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