Cock Robin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids "Who Killed Cock Robin"
Cover of Death and Burial of Poor Cock Robin, by Henry Louis Stephens, 1865.
Nursery rhyme
Published	c. 1744
Songwriter(s)	Unknown

"Who Killed Cock Robin" is a famous English nursery rhyme. It tells a story about the death of a bird named Cock Robin. The rhyme is well-known for its question-and-answer style. It has been used in many stories and plays over the years. This rhyme is listed in the Roud Folk Song Index as number 494.

Discovering the Rhyme's History

This popular rhyme has been around for a long time. The first time it was written down was in a book called Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book. This book came out in 1744. However, that first version only had the first four verses of the rhyme.

When Did the Full Rhyme Appear?

The longer version of "Who Killed Cock Robin" that we know today came out later. It was first printed around the year 1770. This means the full story with all the different animals helping out was added over time.

The Full Rhyme: A Bird Mystery

The rhyme describes a sad event: the death of Cock Robin. Then, different birds and animals step forward. Each one explains their role in the event or in the funeral. It's like a little mystery story told in verses.

Who killed Cock Robin?

I, said the Sparrow,

with my bow and arrow,

I killed Cock Robin.

Who saw him die?

I, said the Fly,

with my little teeny eye,

I saw him die.

Who caught his blood?

I, said the Duck,

it was just my luck,

I caught his blood.

Who'll make the shroud?

I, said the Beetle,

with my thread and needle,

I'll make the shroud.

Who'll dig his grave?

I, said the phesant,

it wasn’t very pleasant,

I'll dig his grave.

Who'll be the parson?

I, said the Rook,

with my little book,

I'll be the parson.

Who'll be the clerk?

I, said the Lark,

if it's not in the dark,

I'll be the clerk.

Who'll carry the link?

I, said the Linnet,

I'll fetch it in a minute,

I'll carry the link.

Who'll be chief mourner?

I, said the Dove,

I mourn for my love,

I'll be chief mourner.

Who'll carry the coffin?

I, said the Kite,

if it's not through the night,

I'll carry the coffin.

Who'll bear the pall?

I, said the Crow,

with the cock and the bow,

I’ll bear the pall.

Who'll sing a psalm?

I, said the Thrush,

as she sat on a bush,

I'll sing a psalm.

Who'll toll the bell?

I, said the Bull,

because I can pull,

I'll toll the bell.

All the birds of the air

fell a-sighing and a-sobbing,

when they heard the bell toll

for poor Cock Robin.

Illustrations and Meanings

This rhyme has often been printed with beautiful pictures. These illustrations help bring the story to life for young readers. Some old versions of the rhyme show a strong Bullfinch ringing the bell. This suggests that the bullfinch might have been the original "Bull" in the rhyme.