Humpty Dumpty Lyrics
"Humpty Dumpty" is one of the most recognizable nursery rhymes in the English language. Though commonly depicted as an egg-shaped character in illustrations and adaptations, the original rhyme never actually describes what Humpty Dumpty is. The verse tells the simple but memorable story of Humpty Dumpty's unfortunate fall from a wall and the futile attempts to repair the damage. Its catchy rhythm and vivid imagery have made it a staple of childhood for generations, appearing in countless books, songs, and cultural references, including Lewis Carroll's famous portrayal in "Through the Looking-Glass."
Complete Lyrics
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again.
A little bit of history
The origins of "Humpty Dumpty" are shrouded in mystery and debate among historians. The rhyme first appeared in print in 1797, but it was likely passed down orally for many years before that. One popular theory suggests that Humpty Dumpty was actually a large cannon used during the English Civil War in the 1640s. According to this legend, the cannon was mounted on the walls of Colchester during the Siege of Colchester, and when the wall was damaged by enemy fire, the cannon fell and couldn't be remounted—hence "all the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again."
However, many scholars dispute this military origin story, noting that there's little historical evidence to support it. Another theory suggests that the rhyme may have been a riddle, with the answer being "an egg"—something that, once broken, cannot be repaired. This interpretation gained popularity over time and influenced how Humpty Dumpty came to be depicted in illustrations, particularly after Lewis Carroll featured the character as an egg-like person in his 1871 novel "Through the Looking-Glass."
Regardless of its true origins, "Humpty Dumpty" has become deeply embedded in popular culture. The phrase "Humpty Dumpty" has even entered common usage as a metaphor for something fragile or irreparably broken. The rhyme's simple structure and memorable imagery continue to make it one of the first nursery rhymes children learn, and it remains a beloved part of childhood literature around the world.
Memorizing Humpty Dumpty
"Humpty Dumpty" is one of the most straightforward nursery rhymes to memorize, consisting of just one simple verse that is typically repeated. The rhyme follows a clear narrative:
- Line 1: Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
- Line 2: Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
- Lines 3-4: All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again
The rhyme scheme (wall/fall, men/again) and the vivid imagery make this verse extremely memorable. The repetition of "Humpty Dumpty" at the start of the first two lines creates a rhythmic pattern that sticks in memory. Even young children can quickly learn this classic rhyme. Practice with the Lines app to perfect your recitation.