Full Lyrics
Sing a song of sixpence,
A pocket full of rye.
Four and twenty blackbirds,
Baked in a pie.
When the pie was opened,
The birds began to sing;
Wasn't that a dainty dish,
To set before the king?
The king was in his counting house,
Counting out his money;
The queen was in the parlour,
Eating bread and honey.
The maid was in the garden,
Hanging out the clothes;
There came a little blackbird
And snapped off her nose.
About This Song
"Sing a Song of Sixpence" is one of the best-known English nursery rhymes, first published in 1744 in Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book. The vivid imagery of blackbirds baked in a pie has fascinated children for centuries.
Some historians believe the rhyme may reference the court of Henry VIII, while others see it as a playful nonsense verse. The "four and twenty blackbirds" has been linked to a real medieval practice of placing live birds inside pastry shells as entertainment at banquets.
With its memorable characters — the king, the queen, and the maid — this rhyme is perfect for storytelling, role-play, and introducing children to classic English verse.