Full Lyrics
London Bridge is falling down,
Falling down, falling down.
London Bridge is falling down,
My fair lady.
Build it up with wood and clay,
Wood and clay, wood and clay.
Build it up with wood and clay,
My fair lady.
Wood and clay will wash away,
Wash away, wash away.
Wood and clay will wash away,
My fair lady.
Build it up with bricks and mortar,
Bricks and mortar, bricks and mortar.
Build it up with bricks and mortar,
My fair lady.
Bricks and mortar will not stay,
Will not stay, will not stay.
Bricks and mortar will not stay,
My fair lady.
Build it up with iron and steel,
Iron and steel, iron and steel.
Build it up with iron and steel,
My fair lady.
Iron and steel will bend and bow,
Bend and bow, bend and bow.
Iron and steel will bend and bow,
My fair lady.
Build it up with silver and gold,
Silver and gold, silver and gold.
Build it up with silver and gold,
My fair lady.
About This Song
"London Bridge Is Falling Down" is one of the most famous English nursery rhymes, first appearing in print in 1744 in Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book. The song is traditionally accompanied by a singing game where two players form an arch (the "bridge") while others pass underneath.
The rhyme is based on the actual London Bridge, which has been rebuilt many times throughout history. The original medieval bridge was famous for having houses and shops built on it, and it did indeed fall into disrepair multiple times before being replaced.
The identity of "My fair lady" remains a mystery. Some theories suggest she was Eleanor of Provence (wife of Henry III), while others believe it refers to the River Lea or is simply a nonsense phrase. The song remains popular as both a singing game and a way to teach children about building materials!