Michael Finnegan (song) facts for kids
Michael Finnegan is a very popular and fun song that can go on and on! It's known as an unboundedly long song or a perpetual song because you can keep singing new verses for as long as you like, or until you decide to stop. This makes it a favorite among schoolchildren, especially when sung around a campfire or during scouting adventures.
What is Michael Finnegan?
Michael Finnegan is a well-known children's song, famous for its repeating structure. Each verse tells a short story about Michael Finnegan, and then ends with "Poor old Michael Finnegan. Begin again." This encourages singers to make up new verses and keep the song going. It's a great way to be creative and have fun with friends!
Where Did the Song Come From?
The exact origin of the words and music for "Michael Finnegan" is a bit of a mystery. No one knows for sure who first wrote it. However, the tune sounds a lot like another well-known children's song called Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.
The earliest time we know for sure that "Michael Finnegan" was written down was in The Hackney Scout Song Book in 1921. It also appeared in The Oxford song book, vol.2 in 1927. The song is especially famous and loved in Ireland.
Singing Michael Finnegan: Some Verses
Here are some of the common verses you might hear when singing "Michael Finnegan." Remember, you can always make up your own!
There was an old man called Michael Finn-egan, He grew whiskers on his chin-igan, The wind came up and blew them in-again, Poor old Michael Finnegan. Begin-again.
There was an old man called Michael Finn-egan, He kicked up an awful din-igan. Because they said he must not sing again. Poor old Michael Finnegan. Begin-again.
There was an old man called Michael Finn-egan, Ran a race and tried to win again. Got so puffed that he had to go in again. Poor old Michael Finnegan. Begin-again.
There was an old man called Michael Finn-egan, He went fishing with a pin again. He caught a fish but dropped it in again, Poor old Michael Finnegan. Begin again.
There was an old man called Michael Finn-egan, Climbed a tree and barked his shin-igan, Took off several yards of skin-igan, Poor old Michael Finnegan. Begin-again.
There was an old man called Michael Finn-egan, He grew fat and then grew thin again. Then he died and had to begin again. Poor old Michael Finnegan. The end-i-gin.
