Girls and Boys Come Out To Play facts for kids

Girls and Boys Come Out to Play (or Boys and Girls Come Out to Play) is a very old and well-known nursery rhyme. It has been around for a long time, at least since the year 1708. This rhyme is a classic example of songs and poems that children have enjoyed for centuries.

What is a Nursery Rhyme?

A nursery rhyme is a short poem or song for young children. These rhymes often have simple words and a catchy rhythm. They are usually passed down through generations. Nursery rhymes help children learn language and rhythm. They are also a fun way to share stories and traditions.

The Famous Lyrics

The words to Girls and Boys Come Out to Play are quite simple. They invite children to come outside and play together. The most common version of the rhyme was written down by James Orchard Halliwell in the mid-1800s. He was a famous collector of old rhymes and stories.

Here are the words to this classic rhyme:

Girls and boys, come out to play,

The moon doth shine as bright as day;

Leave your supper, and leave your sleep,

And come with your playfellows into the street.

Come with a whoop, come with a call,

Come with a good will or not at all.

Up the ladder and down the wall,

A halfpenny roll will serve us all.

You find milk, and I'll find flour,

And we'll have a pudding in half an hour.

Sometimes, you might hear the first line as "Boys and girls, come out to play." This shows how rhymes can change a little over time.

History of the Rhyme

This rhyme is very old, dating back to the early 1700s. It gives us a peek into what life was like for children long ago. Playing outside under the moonlight was a common activity. The rhyme also mentions simple foods like a "halfpenny roll" and making "pudding." This reminds us of simpler times. The rhyme is listed in the Roud Folk Song Index as number 5452. This index helps keep track of folk songs and rhymes from around the world.