There Was a Crooked Man |
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This free printable worksheet features the text of the old English poem/nursery rhyme "There Was a Crooked Man," along with print manuscript handwriting practice and a picture to color. Click here to print. We also have an accompanying worksheet, in a larger font, featuring the rhyming words from this poem: mile/stile, bought/caught, and mouse/house. Click here to print. |
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"There Was a Crooked Man" is a traditional nursery rhyme and children's song with origins dating back to the 19th century. Like many nursery rhymes, its exact origins and meaning can be a subject of interpretation and speculation. "There Was a Crooked Man" was first recorded in print in the mid-19th century, although it may have been orally transmitted in various forms before that. It is believed to have English origins.
The original version of the rhyme goes as follows:
There was a crooked man, and he walked a crooked mile, He found a crooked sixpence against a crooked stile; He bought a crooked cat, which caught a crooked mouse, And they all lived together in a little crooked house. The meaning of "There Was a Crooked Man" is not entirely clear, and it has been the subject of various interpretations. Some suggest that the rhyme might have a political or satirical subtext, reflecting social or political issues of the time. The "crooked man" may represent a figure or group with questionable ethics or actions. Others see the rhyme as a simple, whimsical story with no deeper meaning, designed for children's entertainment and amusement. Like many nursery rhymes, "There Was a Crooked Man" has been subject to variations in its lyrics and interpretations. Different versions of the rhyme exist, with some changes to the wording and structure. Today, "There Was a Crooked Man" continues to be a part of nursery rhyme collections and children's literature. Its historical context and interpretation may vary, but it remains a classic example of the traditional nursery rhymes that have been passed down through generations for the enjoyment of young children. |
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