If wishes were horses, beggars would ride facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride." |
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| Nursery rhyme | |
| Published | 1605 |
| Songwriter(s) | unknown |
"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride" is a famous proverb and nursery rhyme. A proverb is a short, well-known saying that gives advice or states a general truth. This saying means that if simply wishing for something could make it happen, then even people with nothing would have everything they ever wanted. It was first written down around 1628 in a collection of Scottish proverbs. This rhyme is also known as Roud Folk Song Index number 20004.
What Does It Mean?
This proverb teaches us that just wishing for things won't make them come true. Instead, you need to work hard to achieve your goals. It's a reminder that dreams need action to become reality.
Different Versions of the Rhyme
Over time, this rhyme has had a few different versions. Here are some common ones you might hear:
- If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
- If turnips were watches, I'd wear one by my side.
- If "ifs" and "ands" were pots and pans,
- There'd be no work for tinkers' hands.
Another popular version goes like this:
- If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.
- If turnips were swords, I'd have one at my side.
- If "ifs" and "ands" were pots and pans,
- There'd be no work for tinkers' hands.
There's also a shorter version:
- If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
- If turnips were bayonets, I'd wear one by my side.
Where Did It Come From?
The idea behind "If wishes were horses" is very old. The earliest known version was written in 1605 by William Camden. His book, Remaines of a Greater Worke, Concerning Britaine, included a similar line: "If wishes were thrushes beggars would eat birds." This meant if wishes were birds, poor people would have food.
The first time "horses" were mentioned was in 1628. This was in a book called Proverbs in Scots by James Carmichael. It said: "And wishes were horses, pure [poor] men wald ride."
The exact phrase "beggars would ride" appeared later. In 1670, John Ray's Collection of English Proverbs had "If wishes would bide, beggars would ride."
The rhyme as we know it today became popular in the 1700s. James Kelly's Scottish Proverbs, Collected and Arranged from 1721 used the words: "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride." The full rhyme with the "pots and pans" part was put together by James Orchard Halliwell in the 1840s.
Sometimes, the last line of the rhyme was used to encourage children to get things done. People would say, "If if's and and's were pots and pans, there'd surely be dishes to do." This was a way to tell kids to stop making excuses and start working.
