Who killed cock robin?

I said the sparrow, with my bow and arrow,

I killed cock robin.

 

CHORUS All the birds and the bees they were sighin they were sobbin

When they heard of the death of poor cock robin

Repeat last line

 

Who saw him die?

I said the fly, with my little eye,

I saaw him die.

 

Who’ll toll the bell?

Isaid the bull, because I can pull!

I’ll toll the bell

 

Who’ll dig his grave?

I said the owl, with my little trowel.

 

Who’ll be the parson?

Isaid the rook, with my little book.

 

Who’ll be chief mourner?

I, said the dove, I’ll mourn for my love.

 

     This song was sung by Darky Edwards. Not your usual nursery song, it is sung with hand gestures, and suggestive body movements --it makes for a hilarious ‘performance. Darky said this song was sung mainly by Sgts and corporals, at the troops first hearing when out on bivouac, and used to help’bond’ the men together. Afterwards, the song would be sung , with hand gestures , by soldiers where ever they congregated. The same with thesong ‘Sweet Carioh’--the gestures used in that song are similar to those used in the Folk Song tradition.

     This song, and the style of singing , as well as the ‘use’of the song show evidence of pre-Christian religious  ‘services’.