Full Lyrics
Oranges and lemons,
Say the bells of St. Clement's.
You owe me five farthings,
Say the bells of St. Martin's.
When will you pay me?
Say the bells of Old Bailey.
When I grow rich,
Say the bells of Shoreditch.
When will that be?
Say the bells of Stepney.
I do not know,
Says the great bell of Bow.
Here comes a candle to light you to bed,
And here comes a chopper to chop off your head!
Chip chop chip chop,
The last man is dead!
About This Song
"Oranges and Lemons" is a famous English nursery rhyme and singing game that references the bells of several London churches. It was first recorded in 1744 in Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book.
Each verse mentions a different church and its bells, creating a musical tour of old London. The rhyme is often accompanied by a game where children form an arch and catch the last child passing through — similar to London Bridge.
The dramatic ending about the chopper adds an element of excitement that children love, making it a thrilling playground game that has been played for nearly three centuries.