Latest Update: October 18, 2025
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/08/playground-rhymes-that-include-names-of_54.html for Part II of this series. Part II presents some examples of playground rhymes whose titles begin with M-Z.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2025/10/names-of-famous-people-in-down-by-banks.html for Part III of this pancocojams series. That post presents some examples from the HUGH "Down By The Banks Of The Hanky Panky" playground rhyme family.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those whose examples are quoted in this post.
This post isn't meant to be a comprehensive collection of English language playground rhymes that include names of famous people. .
-snip-
This compilations doesn't include "nursery rhymes" (also known as "Mother Goose rhymes").
* Examples of rhymes that include a name or names of politicians are purposely omitted from this post.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/08/playground-rhymes-that-include_87.html for a pancocojams post that showcases examples of that category of playground rhymes that include names of politicians. Those rhymes may also include the names of other famous peoples who aren't politicians.
Please share additional examples of children's recreational rhymes that include names of famous people in the comment section below. Thanks!
****FEATURED EXAMPLES
These examples are presented in alphabetical order based on the first letter of the rhyme that includes at least one famous person's name. The titles are written in capital letters.
In each example the first mention of the famous person's name is given in italics.
Brief information about a famous person can be found in each Part of this compilation after the first example in that Part that includes their name.
Most of these examples contain no information about how the rhyme is performed. However,
I believe that most of these examples are either hand clap rhymes or jump rope rhymes.
Other brief explanatory notes may be added after a few of these examples.
A, B
A BULLDOG
A bull dog x3
My name is Kim Kardashian
I came to show you
Show you
How to rock a bull dog
At first you shake it don't break it
Lol I can't remember the rest.
-Kim kardasian, Aug 9, 2013, https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/ghetto-childhood-rhymes.553524/page-2
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Kardashian
"Kimberly Noel Kardashian (born October 21, 1980) is an
American media personality, socialite, and businesswoman. She and her family
began to appear on the E! reality television series Keeping Up with the
Kardashians after Kim gained media attention following the release of a sex
tape in 2007. The show aired until 2021, and its success led to the formation
of several spin-offs and a successor show, Hulu's The Kardashians
(2022–present)."...
****
APPLES ON A STICK (Example #1)
apples on a stick,ganna make me sick,ganna make my heart go 246 246, not cause im dirty,not cause im clean,not cause ya kissed a boy behind a magizine,hey girls wannah have some fun here comes justin bieber with his pants un done,close your eyes and count to 10,when your finished, you got to kiss your boy friend
-alexis, https://losemyway.wordpress.com/2008/02/06/hand-clapping-games/ Hand Clapping Games, January 8, 2012
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Bieber
"Justin Drew Bieber...born March 1, 1994)[1][2] is a Canadian singer. Regarded as a pop icon, he is known for his multi-genre musical performances.[3][4] He was discovered by Scooter Braun in 2008 and brought to the U.S. by Usher, both of whom formed RBMG Records to sign Bieber in October of that year. His debut extended play, My World (2009), was met with international recognition and established him as a teen idol."...
APPLES ON A STICK (Example #2)
Apple on a stick, makes me sick,
Makes my heart beat two forty-six,
Not because you're dirty, not because you're clean,
Not because you kissed a boy behind a magazine.
Girls, boys, have a lot of fun,
Here comes Madonna with a pickle up her bum,
She can wibble, she can wobble, she can even do the splits,
I bet you can't even do this:
Count to ten, you're a big fat hen.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. (Clap with eyes closed while
counting)
You didn't muck it up so you're my best friend. (Hug each
other)
-
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna
"Madonna Louise Ciccone... born August 16, 1958) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Commonly referred to as the "Queen of Pop", she is known for her continual reinvention and versatility in music production, songwriting and visual presentation."...
Bill & Monica sittin
in a tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G
First comes Ken Starr
Then comes Hillary
Oops!
There goes the Presidency!
-Butirfli, http://www.streetplay.com/discus/ Streetplay.com Discussion: Girl Games: Singing: Silly songs, theme songs, etc.: Archive through November 27, 2000, May 26, 1999
-snip-
This rhyme is also featured in https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2025/10/names-of-politicians-in-childrens.html "Names Of Politicians In Children's Recreational Rhymes". Information about the names "Bill" (Clinton) and "Hillary" (Rodham Clinton) is given in that post. Here's information about the two names in this rhyme that are given in italics:
[from Wikipedia] "President Bill Clinton admitted to having had what he called an "inappropriate relationship" with [Monica] Lewinsky while she worked at the White House in 1995–1996. The affair and its repercussions (which included Clinton's impeachment) became known later as the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal."...
**
Ken Starr
[from Wikipedia] "Kenneth Winston Starr was an American
lawyer and judge who as independent counsel authored the Starr Report, which
served as the basis of the impeachment of Bill Clinton."...
Bob Marley
Drives a Harley
Round town
He’s a clown (repeat)
-NZ Playground Language Clapping Games, ©Laurie and Winifred Bauer 2002, https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/lals/research/projects/language-in-the-playground-project/publications/lip70.pdf
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Marley
"Robert Nesta Marley (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981) was a Jamaican singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Considered one of the pioneers of reggae, he fused elements of reggae, ska and rocksteady and was renowned for his distinctive vocal and songwriting style.[2][3] Marley increased the visibility of Jamaican music worldwide and became a global figure in popular culture.[4][5] He became known as a Rastafarian icon, and he infused his music with a sense of spirituality.[6] Marley is also considered a global symbol of Jamaican music and culture and identity and was controversial in his outspoken support for democratic social reforms.[7][8] Marley also supported the legalisation of cannabis and advocated for Pan-Africanism.[9]"...
BUBBLE GUM
My mother gave me a penny to see Jack Benny.
I did not see Jack Benny. I bought some bubble gum.
CHORUS: Na, na, na, na, na, bubble gum! Na, na, na, na, na,
bubble gum!
Na, na, na, na, na, bubble gum! I bought some bubble gum!
My mother gave me a nickel to buy a pickle.
I did not buy a pickle. I bought some bubble gum. CHORUS
My mother gave me a dime to buy a lime.
I did not buy a lime. I bought some bubble gum! CHORUS
My mother gave me a quarter to pay the porter.
I did not pay the porter. I bought some bubble gum! CHORUS
My mother gave me a dollar to buy a collar.
I did not buy a collar. I bought some bubble gum! CHORUS
My mother gave me a spanking for buying all that bubble gum.
I did not cry a tear. I cried bubble gum!
-
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Benny
"Jack Benny (born Benjamin Kubelsky; February 14, 1894 –
December 26, 1974) was an American entertainer who evolved from a modest
success as a violinist on the vaudeville circuit to one of the leading
entertainers of the twentieth century with a highly popular comedic career in
radio, television, and film."...
****
C, DCHARLIE CHAPLIN SAT ON A FENCE
Charlie Chaplin sat on a fence
trying to make a dollar out of fifteen cents.
Where learned - neighborhood [Detroit, Michigan]
Keyword - plain jump
Date learned- not given
-https://libraries.udmercy.edu/find/special_collections/digital/cfa/index.php?field=keyword&term=PLAIN-JUMP&start=20 "The James T. Callow Folklore Archive"
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Chaplin
"Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin (16 April 1889 – 25 December 1977) was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the era of silent film. He became a worldwide icon through his screen persona, the Tramp, and is considered one of the film industry's most important figures. His career spanned more than 75 years, from his childhood in the Victorian era until a year before his death in 1977, and encompassed both accolade and controversy."....
****
CHARLIE CHAPLIN WENT TO FRANCE [Version #1]
Charlie Chaplin went to France
To teach the ladies how to dance
First he did the Rumba
Then he did the twist
Then he did the Highland Fling,
And then he did the splits.
There's also "Betty Grable went to France,/To teach the soldiers how to dance." (The rest is the same.)
Source: "An Australian version of the Charlie Chaplin Skipping Song, as sung at Salisbury Primary School in Brisbane, Australia in the mid 1950s" quoted in https://libraries.udmercy.edu/find/special_collections/digital/cfa/index.php?field=loc_id&term=6210 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skipping-rope_rhyme
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Grable
"Elizabeth Ruth Grable (December 18, 1916 – July 2, 1973) was an American actress, pin-up girl, dancer, model, and singer. Her 42 films during the 1930s and 1940s grossed more than $100 million, and for 10 consecutive years (1942–1951) she placed among the Quigley Poll's top 10 box office stars (a feat only matched by Doris Day, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand, although all were surpassed by Mary Pickford, with 13 years)"....
CHARLIE CHAPLIN WENT TO FRANCE [Version #2]
Charlie Chaplin went to France
To teach the ladies how to dance.
First he did the rumba,
Then he did the kicks,
Then he did the salsa,
Then he did the splits!
-https://wehavekids.com/education/jump-rope-songs
****
CHARLIE CHAPLIN WENT TO FRANCE [Version #3]
Charlie Chaplin went to France,
To teach the ladies the hula dance.
First on the heels,
Then on the toes,
Around and around and around you go.
Salute to the Captain,
Bow to the Queen,
Touch the bottom of the submarine.
~Ellen Mason, AACS Music Teacher, https://www.buyjumpropes.net/resources/jump-rope-rhymes-songs-buyjumpropesnet/
****
CHARLIE CHAPLIN WENT TO FRANCE [Version #4]
Charlie Chaplin went to France
To teach the ladies how to dance.
First the heel, then the toe,
Then the splits, and around you go!
Salute to the Captain,
Bow to the Queen,
And turn your back on the Nazi submarine!
-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skipping-rope_rhyme
****
CHARLIE CHAPMAN WENT TO FRANCE [Version #5]
Just to see the Wigwam dance
First on heels
Then on Toes
Then on hands
And away we go.
Where learned: Michigan, Detroit, Age 11
[...]
Date learned: 08-11-1964
- https://libraries.udmercy.edu/find/special_collections/digital/cfa/index.php?field=loc_id&term=6210 The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
-snip-
*"Charlie Chapman" is a probably accidental form of the name "Charlie Chaplin."
CHARLIE CHAPLIN WENT TO FRANCE [Version #6]
This was one you said if you were just using your skipping rope by yourself - skipping fast not jumping:
Charlie Chaplin went to France
To teach the ladies how to dance
And this is how he taught them
Heel toe lairey oh
Quick march under the arch
Roundabout turn! ( Jump at that point)
****
I only can remember one song. Chubby Checkers* how bout a date, I'll meet you at the corner at half past 8. I was always the one to twirl. Never wanted to jump rope.
-
-snip-
"Chubby Checkers" is a folk processed form of the name "Chubby Checker".
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chubby_Checker
"Ernest Evans (born October 3, 1941), known professionally as Chubby Checker, is an American rock 'n' roll singer and dancer. He is known for popularizing many dance styles, including the Twist, with his 1960 hit cover of Hank Ballard & The Midnighters' R&B song "The Twist", and the Pony, with his 1961 cover of the song "Pony Time"."...
****
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (Example #1)
Christopher Columbus
Sailed the ocean blue
In fourteen hundred
And ninety two.
Was a very brave man.
He sailed the ocean
In an old tin can.
Source: Abrahams (1969)
http://mudcat.org/jumprope/jumprope_display_all.cfm
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Columbus
"Christopher Columbus [born] between 25 August and 31 October 1451 – 20 May 1506) was an Italian[3][c] explorer and navigator from the Republic of Genoa[3][4] who completed four Spanish-based voyages across the Atlantic Ocean sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs, opening the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas. His expeditions were the first known European contact with the Caribbean and Central and South America."...
****
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (Example #2)
Christopher Columbus
Was a very brave man.
He sailed the ocean
In an old tin can.
And the waves went higher and higher and over
1,2,3...
The last two I remember from the 70s, whether they were used
before that, I'm not sure.
-moza, 15/03/10, https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/1230193/skipping-rhymes-from-the-50s-and-60s
****
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (Example #3)
Other games with rhymes
deffinately [remember the] one about Christopher columbus sailing the seven oceans. Ryde convent 1968 ish, no tune On that one you lost an eye, then an arm then went on one leg
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus was a very famous man. He lived in the
ocean in a old tin can. The waves got
higher and higher (can't remember any more).
-
****
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (Example #4)
Christopher Columbus Sailed The Ocean Blue
In Fourteen Hundred And Ninety Two.
He went higher and higher
And over the ocean blue.
AND OVER THE OCEAN BLUE.
(Chanted by the children as the rope is swung from side to side. Chanted by the children as the rope is swung higher and higher from side to side.
On the words "Over" and "Blue" the rope is swung around in the conventional manner.
This child jumps out of the rope and it is repeated for the next child.
Submitter comment:
Informant learned this in grade school in Northwest Detroit.
Where learned: Michigan: University of Detroit, Detroit
Date learned: 11-00-1967
-snip-
This example was written in upper case letters.
Chris Columbus Sailed The Ocean Blue In 14 Hundred And 92. The Waves Went Higher And Higher And Over They Went.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname and place of residence.
Where learned: Michigan; Dearborn Heights
When learned: 10-00-1970
-snip-
This example was written in upper case letters.
****
DOWN BY THE BANKS OF THE HANKY PANKY [Selected examples of these rhymes are found in Part III of this pancocojams series.
E, F
EEXIE, PEEKSIE, PEARLE, PLUM
Eexie, peeksie, pearie, plum, / Out steps Tom Thumb; / Tom Thumb in a basin, / Out pops James Mason; / James Mason in a cellar, / Out pops Cinderella; / Cinderella in a fix, / Out pops Tom Mix; / Tom Mix is a star, / S-T-A-R."
-snip-
Pancocojams Editor's note: I'm sorry. I neglected to document where I found this rhyme.
-snip-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Mason
"James Neville Mason … 15 May 1909 – 27 July 1984) was an English actor. He achieved considerable success in British cinema before becoming a star in Hollywood. He was nominated for three Academy Awards, three Golden Globes (winning once) and two BAFTA Awards throughout his career."...
**
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Mix
"Thomas Edwin Mix (born Thomas Hezikiah Mix;[1] January 6, 1880 – October 12, 1940) was an American film actor and the star of many early Western films between 1909 and 1935. He appeared in 291 films, all but nine of which were silent films. He was one of Hollywood's first Western stars and helped define the genre as it emerged in the early days of the cinema.[1]"..
**
This example is also included in Part I of pancocojams' Names Of Fictional Characters in Children's Rhymes post
****
EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM
Each peach pear plum,
I spy Tom Thumb,
Tom Thumb in the wood,
I spy Robin Hood,
Robin Hood in the cellar,
I spy Cinderella,
Cinderella at the table,
I spy Betty Grable.
Betty Grable is a star
S - T – A - R!
-https://www.mamalisa.com/?t=es&p=5631
The note that is given with this example is that it is a ball bouncing rhyme
This example is also included in Part I of pancocojams' Names Of Fictional Characters in Children's Rhymes post
****
Eenie meenie gypsy queenie
Ooh ah allimeenie
Atchie Caughtchie Liberace
I love you. [pause]
Saw your boyfriend the other day
What's his name?
John Wayne.
How did you know?
Peekin' through the keyhole.
Nosy!
Hate to do the dishes.
Lazy!
Jumpin' through the window.
Crazy!
Eenie meenie gypsy queenie
Ooh ah allimeenie
Atchie Caughtchie Liberace
I love you!
-ramblerla, White female, mid-1970s in Yreka, California In the mid-70s in Yreka, California
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberace
"Władziu Valentino Liberace[nb 1] (May 16, 1919 – February 4, 1987) was an American pianist, singer and actor.[2] He was born in Wisconsin to parents of Italian and Polish origin and enjoyed a career spanning four decades of concerts, recordings, television, motion pictures and endorsements. At the height of his fame from the 1950s to 1970s, he was the highest-paid entertainer in the world[3] with established concert residencies in Las Vegas and an international touring schedule. He embraced a lifestyle of flamboyant excess both on and off stage, and never publicly acknowledged his homosexuality."...
****
G, H
GEORGIE BEST (Example #1)
Georgie Best, superstar
wears frilly knickers and a playtex bra.
i remember that one, i dont know why, as George Best is and
always will be my footballing hero
-DYR enthusiast, 15-07-2009, https://forums.doyouremember.co.uk/forum/culture/school-days/9039-playground-school-songs/page4
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Best
"George Best (22 May 1946 – 25 November 2005) was a Northern Irish professional footballer who played as a winger, spending most of his club career at Manchester United. A skillful dribbler, he is considered one of the greatest players of all time,[2][3] along with being considered one of the most talented to play.[4][5] He was named European Footballer of the Year in 1968 and came fifth in the FIFA Player of the Century vote. Best received plaudits for his playing style, which combined pace, skill, balance, feints, the ability to get past defenders, and goalscoring. In 1999 he was on the six-man shortlist for the BBC's Sports Personality of the Century. He was an inaugural inductee into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002."...
GEORGIE BEST (Example #2)
Georgie Best
Superstar
Walks like a woman
And he wears a bra
The bra's too big
He wears a wig
And that's why they call him
A sexy pig.
-http://www.odps.org/glossword/index.php?a=term&d=3&t=360 Seedy Songs and Rotten Rhymes - the poetry of the playground
****
EENY MEENY MINY MO
Eeny, meeny, miny, mo, Catch old Tojo by the toe. If he hollers make him say, I surrender, U.S.A. Also found as a jump-rope rhyme; see JRR, p. 47 ("Eeny, meeny, miney mo. / Catch Castro by the toe."}. Soifer, Story Parade, 6, no. 7 (July 1941), 16
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hideki_Tojo
"Hideki Tojo (東條 英機, Tōjō Hideki;; 30 December 1884 – 23 December 1948) was a Japanese general and statesman who served as Prime Minister of Japan from 1941 to 1944 during the Second World War"....
**
Castro refers to Fidel Castro, revolutionary and leader of Cuba. At least one rhyme example mentioning Castro is included in pancocojams' post entitled "Playground Rhymes That Include Politicians' Names" https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/08/playground-rhymes-that-include_87.html
****
HOLLYWOOD GOES SWINGING
Both girls: Hollywood.
Hollywood.
Hollywood goes swingin.
Hollywood goes
Swingin.
Swingin for the good times.
Swingin for the bad times.
Soloist #1: My name is Teneisha
and I’m number 9.
I’m kickin it with Ginuwine.
If you ever see me on the street,
you better speak.
“Long time, no see.”
Sexy as I wanna be.
Some hittin me high.
Some hittin me low.
Some hittin me in my-
Don’t ask what.
Other girl: What?
Soloist #1: My b u t t b u t t butt.
That’s what.
-Teneisha (10 years) and Antoinette (11 years), African American girls, East Hills section of Pittsburgh, PA; 1998; collected by Azizi Powell, 1998
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginuwine
"Elgin Baylor Lumpkin (born October 15, 1970),[3] better known by his stage name Ginuwine ... is an American R&B singer. He began his career as a member of the musical collective Swing Mob in the early 1990s. As a solo act, he signed with Epic Records[4] to release his 1996 debut single, "Pony". The song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded the release of his debut studio album, Ginuwine...the Bachelor (1996), which received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[5]"....
****
HEAD AND SHOULDERS, BABY ONE TWO THREERemember this one?
Head and shoulders, baby One Two Three
Head and shoulders, baby One Two Three
Head and shoulders, Head and shoulders
Head and shoulders, Head and shoulders
Baby One Two Three
Round the world, baby One Two Three
Round the world, baby One Two Three
Round the world, Round the world,
Round the world, Round the world,
Baby One Two Three
(Then we'd do an Elvis Presley verse while pretenting to play guitar and shake hips and wobbly legs. Next was Jackie Gleason)
Then we'd do the whole ensemble
Head and Shoulders, Round the world
Elvis Presley, Jackie Gleason
Baby, One Two Three
-http://www.streetplay.com/discus/ Streetplay.com Discussion: Girl Games: Clap & rhyme / tongue twisters / word games: Clap and Rhyme: Archive through June 8, 2000
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Gleason
"Herbert John Gleason (born Herbert Walton Gleason Jr.; February 26, 1916 – June 24, 1987), known as Jackie Gleason, was an American comedian, actor, writer, and composer also known as "The Great One".[1][2][3] He developed a style and characters from growing up in Brooklyn, New York, and was known for his brash visual and verbal comedy, exemplified by his city bus driver character Ralph Kramden in the television series The Honeymooners. He also developed The Jackie Gleason Show, which maintained high ratings from the mid-1950s through 1970."...
I, J
I AM A LITTLE DUTCH GIRL
I am a little Dutch girl
as pretty as can be be be
and all the boys at my school
go crazy over me me me.
My boyfriend’s name is Leslie.
He looks like Elvis Presley
with his ten fine toes and a pimple on his nose,
and this is how my story goes;
One day while I was walking,
I saw my boyfriend talking
to a little girl with golden hair
and this is what he said to her,
“I L-O-V-E love you
I K-I-S-S kiss you
down by the R-I-V-E-R,
River Olé!”
-Winter, 02-14-2006, https://www.ablemuse.com/erato/showthread.php?t=810&styleid=1 ,
Location: Edinburgh
I AM A LITTLE FIRST GRADER (Example #1)
for swing swing swing our school did this c,c,c at the bottom of the c im a little (whatever grade or age) pretty as can be be and all the boys around my blox are fightin over me me my boyfriends name is CHRIS BROWN! He lives in alabama with 25 toes and a big fat nose and this is how my story goes see my pinky see my thumb see my fist you better run hold up wait come back you needa tic tac not one not two but the whole six pack not ya mama not ya daddy but ya bald headed granny she wish she wish she wish she had hair like this
-Iysmqt :o, 2021; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zEcsIfe6lU&t=3s&ab_channel=Geneas
-snip-
Regarding the line "c,c,c at the bottom of the c", some other hand clap games begin with the introductory line "swing swing swing at the bottom of the sea".
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Brown
"Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, and actor. A pop and hip-hop-influenced R&B musician who works in a variety of genres,... he has been called the "King of R&B" by some of his contemporaries....
His singing and dancing skills have often been compared
favorably to those of Michael Jackson."...
I AM A LITTLE FIRST GRADER (Example #2)
imma little six grader
as pretty as can be be
my boyfriend name is bow wow
he lives in ohio
and this is how my story goes
one day I was walking
I saw my boyfriend talking
to the ugliest girl
and this is how my story goes
k-i-s-s kiss you l-o-v-e
love you m-i-s-s miss you
and this is how my story goes
a b c d
so keep yo hands away from me.
- http://www.home-school.com.au/resource/skipping-rope-jump-rope-hopscotch-songs.html , 3/21/2005
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bow_Wow_(rapper)
"Shad Gregory Moss (born March 9, 1987), better known by his stage name Bow Wow (formerly Lil' Bow Wow), is an American rapper and actor."
****
I'M A PRETTY FIRST GRADER (Example #3)
for swing swing swing our school did this
c,c,c at the bottom of the c
im a little (whatever grade or age) pretty as can be be
and all the boys around my blox are fightin over me me
my boyfriends name is CHRIS BROWN!
He lives in alabama with 25 toes and a big fat nose and this is how my story goes
see my pinky see my thumb see my fist you better run hold up wait come back you needa tic tac not one not two but the whole six pack
not ya mama not ya daddy but ya bald headed granny she wish she wish she wish she had hair like this
-Lauren, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zEcsIfe6lU
****
I'M A PRETTY FIRST GRADER (Example #4)
I am a pretty __ first grader
As pretty as can___ be be.
My boyfriend's name is__ Chris Brown
He lives in Ala__bama.
One day when I was___walking
I saw my boyfriend __ talking
To the ugliest girl in the whole wide world.
And this is what he said.
I K-I-S-S
I M-I-S-S miss you.
I L-O-V-E love you.
ABCDEFG
Get your black hands off of me.
I K-I-S-S Kiss you!
-Naijah S. (African American female, 9 years old; Hazelwood section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; January 14, 2011; Collected by Azizi Powell 1/14/2011
-snip-
The __ means to pause one beat.
****
Another “Singing Game” (with the girl who was “Shirley Temple” in the middle of a circle) that emerged in Scotland in the 60s and was known to every girl in England by the mid [19]70s:
I’m Shirley Temple, the girl with curly hair
I’ve got two dimples and my skirts up there
I’m not able to do the Betty Grable
I’m Shirley Temple, the girl with curly hair.
I’m got a leg like nobody’s business
I’ve got a figure like Marilyn Monroe
I’ve got hair like Ginger Rogers
And a face like I don’t know
Oh Salome, Salome
You should see Salome
Hands up there, skirts up there
You should see Salome
Swing it, swing it
You should see her swing it
Hands up there, skirts up there
you should see her swing it
-http://playgroundjungle.com/2009/12/shirley-temple.html
-snip-
A very similar version of this rhyme without the Salome verse is given as "My Name Is Shirley Temple" in Part II of this pancocojams series. Additional examples of "Shirley Temple" rhymes are given in this pancocojams post and in Part II of this pancocojams series.
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Temple
"Shirley Temple Black (born Shirley Jane Temple; April 23, 1928 – February 10, 2014) was an American actress, singer, dancer, politician, and diplomat, who was Hollywood's number-one box-office draw as a child actress from 1934 to 1938. Later, she was named United States Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia, and also served as Chief of Protocol of the United States."...
**
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Grable
"Elizabeth Ruth Grable (December 18, 1916 – July 2, 1973) was an American actress, pin-up girl, dancer, model, and singer. Her 42 films during the 1930s and 1940s grossed more than $100 million, and for 10 consecutive years (1942–1951) she placed among the Quigley Poll's top 10 box office stars (a feat only matched by Doris Day, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand, although all were surpassed by Mary Pickford, with 13 years)"....
**
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marilyn_Monroe
"Marilyn Monroe...Norma Jeane Mortenson; June 1, 1926 – August 4, 1962) was an American actress and model. Known for playing comic "blonde bombshell" characters, she became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, as well as an emblem of the era's sexual revolution. She was a top-billed actress for a decade, and her films grossed $200 million (equivalent to $2 billion in 2024) by her death in 1962.[1]"...
**
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger_Rogers
"Ginger Rogers (born Virginia Katherine McMath; July 16, 1911 – April 25, 1995) was an American actress, dancer and singer during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her starring role in Kitty Foyle (1940), and performed during the 1930s in RKO's musical films with Fred Astaire. Her career continued on stage, radio and television throughout much of the 20th century."...
-snip-
The portion of this rhyme that begins with the line "You should see Salome" probably refers to the woman named Salome who danced before King Herod (as mentioned in the Bible).
The gospel story of her dance at the birthday celebration of her stepfather, who had John the Baptist beheaded at her request, inspired art, literature and music over an extended period of time. Among the paintings are those by Titian and Gustave Moreau. Oscar Wilde's 1891 eponymous play, and its 1905 operatic setting by Richard Strauss, are among the literary and musical realisations which endeavoured to portray her. She also appeared in film, for instance in a 1953 Salome film starring Rita Hayworth in the title role.
-snip-
My guess is that the 1953 film mentioned above may have inspired the reference to Salome in this children's rhyme.
Also, read https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_of_the_Seven_Veils
I'M SHIRLEY TEMPLE AND I'VE GOT CURLY HAIR [Version #2]
I’m Shirley Temple and I’ve got curly hair.
I’ve got dimples and wear my skirts to there.
I’m no able to be a Betty Grable.
But I’m Shirley Temple and I’ve got curly hair
I’ve got legs like Betty Grable.
Ive got a figure like Marlyn Munroe.
I’ve got hair like Ginger Rodgers
And a face like a big yoyo.
Oh Sabrina Sabrina did you ever see Sabrina.
Hands up there skirts up there did you ever see Sabrina.
-Annmarie Palmer November 8, 2017, http://playgroundjungle.com/2009/12/shirley-temple.html
"We sang a version of the Shirley Temple song that was different in Wishaw"[England]
Here's a portion of an AI Overview write up from September 8, 2025 that I received for my question "Who is a famous person from the UK with the name was "Sabrina?". I guessed this contributor was from the UK because of that website)
****
I DON'T WANT TO GO TO HOLLYWOOD [Example #1]
Sham,sham,sham
I don't want to go hollywood
No more,more,more
there is a big fat Michel jackson
At my door,door,door
he'll grab me by the hips
Make me kiss his lips
I don't want to go hollywood
No more,more,more
-Anonymous on Sunday, November 19, 2000, www.streetplay.com/discus/
Streetplay.com Discussion: Girl Games: Singing: Silly songs, theme songs, etc.: Archive through November 27, 2000 [This website is no longer available]
-snip-
I Don't Want To Go To Hollywood" recreational rhymes are variant forms of "I Don't Want To Go To Macys " rhymes that are most commonly known since at least around 2000 on as "I Don't Want To Go To Mexico".
****
I DON'T WANT TO GO TO HOLLYWOOD [Example #2]
shame shame shame,
i don’t wanna go to hollywood no more more more,
theres a fat michale jackson
at the door door door,
he grabbed me by the hips,
kissed me on the lips,
i don’t wanna go to hollywood no more more more
-Shasta, http://losemyway.wordpress.com/2008/02/06/hand-clapping-games/ No More 3x5's Hand Clapping Games; August 12, 2010
-snip-
I've placed this example under the letter "I" because I believe that "shame shame shame" are introductory words (and perhaps also commentary about the story told in the playground rhyme) and not the title of the rhyme.
****
I DON'T WANT TO GO TO HOLLYWOOD [Example #3]
i dont wanna go to hollywood no more more more theres a skiny micheal jackson ant the door door door so he grabbed me by my hips kissed me on the lips i dont wanna go to hollywood no more more more
-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0KMFSj-FrQ
****
I DON'T WANT TO GO TO HOLLYWOOD [Example #4]
i dont wanna go to hollywood no more more more theres a skiny micheal jackson ant the door door door so he grabbed me by my hips kissed me on the lips i dont wanna go to hollywood no more more more
-Ja’ Kayla Jasmine, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=26&v=e0KMFSj-FrQ [comment]
****
I DON'T WANT TO GO TO TENNISEE
Sham,sham,sham
I don't want to go Tennisee
No more,more,more
there is a big fat Elves
at my door,door,door
He'll grab me by the wrist
Make me do the twist
I don't want to go Tennisee
-Anonymous on Sunday, November 19, 2000, http://www.streetplay.com/discus/Streetplay.com Discussion: Girl Games: Singing: Silly songs, theme songs, etc.: Archive through November 27, 2000 [This sebsite is no longer available.]-snip-
This rhyme is also a variant form of "I Don't Want To Go To Mexico".
"Tennisee" is a variant form of the name for "Tennessee" a state in the United States.
"Elves" is probably a misspelling of the name Rock & Roll superstar singer Elvis Pressley
-snip-.
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley
"Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977)
was an American singer and actor. Referred to as the "King of Rock and
Roll", he is widely regarded as one of the most culturally significant
figures of the 20th century."...
****
I LIKE COFFEE, I LIKE TEA (Example #1)
Here’s how I heard it as a child in late 70s/early 80s Atlanta:
I like the Jackson 5 and they like me
So step back white boy you don’t shine
I’ll get the Jackson 5 to beat your behind
Last night and the night before I met my boyfriend at the candy store
He bought me ice cream he bought me cake
He brought me home with a stomach ache
Mama mama I feel sick
Call the doctor quick quick quick
Doctor doctor shall I die
Close your eyes and count to 5
1 2 3 4 5 I’m alive
See that house on top of the hill
That’s where me and my baby gonna live
Gonna cook some oatmeal cook some bread
Come on baby let’s go to bed
-Sarah, November 3, 2020, https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/racialized-versions-of-i-like-coffee-i.html [comment]
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jackson_5
"The Jackson 5,[a] later known as the Jacksons, are an American pop band composed of members of the Jackson family. The group was formed in Gary, Indiana, in 1964, and originally consisted of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. They were managed by their father Joe Jackson.[1][4][2][3] The group were among the first African American performers to attain a crossover following.[jargon][5]
[...]
The brothers also embarked on solo careers, with Michael's being by far the most successful."...
I LOVE COFFEE I LOVE TEA (Example #2)
I love coffe I love tea
I love Chris Brown and he loves me
I met my boyfriend at the candy store He brought me ice cream He brought me cake
He brought me home with a bellyache Momma Momma I feel sick Call the doctor quick quick quick Docter Docter will I die Count to five and you will be alive
12345 I'm alive 678910 I'm dead again
-shima, http://www.streetplay.com/discus/, March 13, 2007
****
I pledge allegience to the flag; Michael Jackson is a fag.
Pepsi Cola burnt him up- now he's drinking 7UP!
7UP has no caffiene; Now he's singing Billie Jean.
Billie Jean was not his lover and his nose is made of rubber!
Rubberface, but don't repeat it- now his dance steps are to Beat It.
Beat It now & don't you tell her this fine tale about the Thriller.
-http://www.inthe80s.com/rhymes.shtml
****
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG [Version #2]
Here’s a reader submission that the contributor first heard in 1984 in Placentia, CA. It would probably get kids in a lot more trouble now than it did back then.
I pledge allegiance to the flag,
Michael Jackson is a fag.
Pepsi Cola burnt him up,
now he’s drinking 7-UP.
The rhyme circulated a lot, and appeared in at least three scholarly works on children’s folklore in the mid-late 80s, and there’s a 1994 book about black identity in popular culture which identifies it as a jump rope rhyme. When I heard it (circa the spring of 1992 in Des Moines), there were two more lines:
7-UP made him pee,
now he’s drinking Pepsi Free.
-http://playgroundjungle.com/2011/01/michael-jackson-and-the-pledge-of-allegiance.html
-snip-
The book that is mentioned in the comments for this example is Ceramic Uncles & Celluloid Mammies: Black Images and Their Influence on Culture by Patricia A. Turner (Anchor Books, 1994, Page 94)
****
I WENT DOWNTOWN TO SEE JAMES BROWN (Example #1)
(hand game)
I went downtown
to see James Brown
He gave me a nickel
to buy me a pickle
The pickle was sour
He gave me flower
The flower was dead
And this is what he said
Then we went into down down baby
At the end we'd just go
Shimmy shimmy cocoa puff
Shimmy shimmy rah
Shimmy shimmy cocoa puff
Shimmy shimmy BREAKDOWN (and do the move where you put one hand on the floor behind you, and one hand in the air. Shoot...I can't breakdown like that anymore )
-Symphony08, (Location: Illinois); 03-26-2003, http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=31403&page=3
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Brown
"James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, and record producer. The central progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th-century music, he is referred to by various nicknames, among them "Mr. Dynamite", "the Hardest-Working Man in Show Business", "Minister of New Super Heavy Funk", "Godfather of Soul", "King of Soul", and "Soul Brother No. 1".[1] In a career that lasted more than 50 years, he influenced the development of several music genres.[2] Brown was one of the first ten inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on January 23, 1986. His music has been heavily sampled by hip-hop musicians and other artists.[3]"...
****
I WENT DOWNTOWN TO SEE JAMES BROWN [Example #2]And the James Brown one:
I went downtown to see James Brown
I gave him a nickel to buy me a pickle
The pickle was sour, so he gave me a shower
The shower was cold, so he gave me a bowl
The bowl was cracked, so he gave me a snack
Now I want my money back, Jack
-bettingonalice, Octoblog (website no longer active), January 1, 2007
****
I WENT DOWNTOWN TO SEE JAMES BROWN [Example #3]
I went downtown
To see James Brown,
She gave me a nickel
I bought me a pickle,
The pickle was sour,
I bought me a flower.
The flower was dead,
You know what I said?
I said “Ooh-she-wah-wah
I got Black power.”
-From http://halton-hamilton.tripod.com/id15.html Page 156
****
I WENT TO A CHINESE RESTAURANT (Example #1)
My daughter, who is eight, is still doing clapping rhymes, though the ones she does are different from the ones I did in the 50s and 60s. (These, by the way, are in England). The one she seems to do mostly is:
I went to a Chinese restaurant
To buy me a loaf of bread, bread, bread.
He wrapped it up in a five pound note
And this is what he said, said, said:
My name is
Elvis Presley,
Girls are sexy
Sitting in the back seat
Drinking pepsi.
Where's your father?
Died in a fishtank..Last night
What did he die of?..Raw fish.
How did he die..Like this.
On the "Like this" they pull a strange face as of somebody dead. She says there are various versions of the rhyme. We used to do the first bit, but not the bit beginning with "Elvis Presley"
- MBSLynne [location-United Kingdom] Do kid still do clapping rhymes?’ https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=63097 , 9/21/2003
****
I WENT TO A CHINESE RESTAURANT (Example #2)
i walked into a chinese restuarant to by a loaf of bread, bread, bread
he wrapped it up in a five pound note and this is what he said said said
my name is elvis presley
girls are sexy
sitting in the back seat drinking pepsi
girls go kiss kiss
boys go yeah"
-GUEST, 18 Oct 07; https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=4300
****
I WENT TO A CHINESE RESTAURANT (Example #4)
Well I learnt:
I....went to a Chinese restaurant to buy a loaf of bread he wrapped it up in a five pound note and this is wat he sed there's elvis Presley sitting in the backseat drinking pepsi havin a baby in the navy watching the clock go tick tok tick tok banana head tick tok tik tok banana head A B C D E F G wipe those cob webs off ur knees singin I tie Ippy Jenni is a hippy I yie Ippy Ippy I APPLE PIE!!
-patrice grevanne; 2012; [comment] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ3Ny8pm9oc
****
I WENT TO A CHINESE RESTAURANT (Example #5)
a song we always used to sing (another version of i went to a chineses resterant)
I went to a chinese resterant to buy a loaf of bread-bread-bread
He wrapped it up in a £10 note and this is wat he said-said-said
My name is elvis preisly
girls are sexy
sittin on the back seats
drinkin pepsi
had a baby
named it daisy
showed it to a lady
she went crazy
joined the nazy
boys go kiss kiss
girls go woah (at which point we wud lift up our skirts or do a front handspring)
-GUEST,baby louise;28 Apr 08; https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=4300
****
I WENT TO A CHINESE RESTAURANT (Example #6)
We did
I went to a chinese restaurant to buy a loaf of bread bread bread
They wrapped it up in a five pound note and this is what they said said said
My name is
Elvis Presley
Girlfriend lesley
snogging in the bathroom
baby's bathroom
woohoo!
something like that anyhow
-Debby H (28), 13/06/2010, https://www.netmums.com/coffeehouse/being-mum-794/parenting-advice-192/434766-playground-clapping-rhymes-your-childhood.html
**
I WENT TO A CHINESE RESTAURANT (Example #7)
Omg I love this thread!
The only ones I can remember though are the "A Sailor
Went To Sea"...the "High low" one & the "I went to a
chinese restaurant to buy a loaf of bread bread bread, he wrapped it up in a
five pound note & this is what he said said said...my name isssss Diana
Ross I am a movie star...can't remember the rest
-Anonymous, 16/06/2010, https://www.netmums.com/coffeehouse/being-mum-794/parenting-advice-192/434766-playground-clapping-rhymes-your-childhood.html
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_Ross
"Diana Ernestine Earle Ross (born March 26, 1944) is an American singer and actress. Known as the "Queen of Motown", she was the lead singer of the vocal group the Supremes, who became Motown's most successful act during the 1960s and one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. They remain the best-charting female group in history,[2] with a total of 12 number-one pop singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100."...
**
I WENT TO A CHINESE RESTAURANT (Example #8)
I went to a Chinese restaurant
To buy a loaf of bread bread bread
She wrapped it up in a five pound note
And this is what she said said said
My name is Diana Ross
I am a superstar
With curly wurly knickers
And a criss cross bra
I’ve got the hips, lips, sexy legs!
-
****
I WENT TO A CHINESE RESTAURANT (Example #9)
Me and my friend made one a up a couple years ago
It was the same base as our schools original just we changed
the names
-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cena
"John Felix Anthony Cena ....born April 23, 1977) is an American actor and professional wrestler. Signed to WWE since 2001, he is a record 17-time world champion, holding the most recognized world title reigns in the promotion's history,[8] and is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.[9][10][11][12] Cena has also starred in numerous films and television shows, including The Marine (2006), Bumblebee (2018), and F9 (2021), as well as currently starring in the television series Peacemaker (2022–present) as the eponymous lead."...
****
we did: I went to a chinese res-tur-rant to buy a loaf of bread bread bread. The lady at the counter, she was standing on her head head head. she asked me what my name was, and this is what I said said said, my name is... Elvis Presley, girls are sexy, sitting in the backseat, drinking pepsi, at the movies, watching goonies. and fred is what i said said said. thats what we did when I was in like grade 1, 2 and 3 -Liky Grak, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSlc3h2BO5M&t=159s&ab_channel=retrorestore , 2020
I WENT TO A CHINESE RESTAURANT (Example #11)
This is the version I had always done - i Didn't see it anywhere else.
I went to the chinese rest-ur-aunt
to buy a loaf of bread, bread, bread
they asked me what my name was
and this is what I said, said, said
My name is ee-ay, ee-ay
nick-a-ny, nick-a-ny
pom-pom-poodle
willie-willie whiskers
my name is
Elvis Presley
girls are hmm - hmm (the good odl days when sexy was a bad word)
sitting in the hot tub
drinking diet pepsi
My name is
Chief Roast Beef
-GUEST, Caroline, 22 June 09, https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=63097&messages=151&page=3
****
I WENT TO A CHINESE RESTAURANT (Example #12)
There was this one clapping song game that we used to do...
I went to a Chinese restaurant
To buy a loaf of bread bread bread
He asked me what my name was
And this is what I said said said
My name is E I L I
Nicky nai nickynai
Pom pom poodle
Willy willy whiskers
My name is Elvis Presley
Girls are sexy
Sitting in the hot tub
Drinking hot pepsi
My name is milk carton
Dolly Parton
Big Chief, Hey!
-NinjaShira, 2017
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskWomen/comments/8jo3uw/what_are_some_school_yard_songs_you_remember_from/
J-I GYPSY (Example #1 & #2)
J-I gypsy
where she been
she been around the world and back home again
she's a lover undercover
get down with ya mama
so spell your name on 1 foot (then she did it)
now spell your name on 2 feet (then she did it)
or
J-I gypsy
Muhammad Ali
Where on earth could her lover be?
I don't think anybody got further than that or either I forget the rest.
-Symphony08, (Location: Illinois); 03-26-2003, http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=31403&page=3
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali
"Muhammad Ali (/ɑːˈliː/;[3] born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer and social activist.[a] A global cultural icon, widely known by the nickname "the Greatest", he is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. He held the Ring magazine heavyweight title from 1964 to 1970, was the undisputed champion from 1974 to 1978, and was the WBA and Ring heavyweight champion from 1978 to 1979. In 1999, he was named Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated and the Sports Personality of the Century by the BBC."...
****
K, L
Little Shirley Temple
she bought a penny doll
she washed it, she dried it
then she let it fall
She called for the doctor
the doctor couldn’t come
along came the ambulance
rum, tum, tum
(alternate ending: because he had a pimple on his bum, bum, bum)
(early 50s)
-http://playgroundjungle.com/2009/12/shirley-temple.html
****
LIZZIE BORDEN
Lizzie Borden took an axe
She gave her mother forty whacks
After she saw what she had done
She gave her father forty-one.
Lizzie Borden got away
For her crime she did not pay.
-quoted in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skipping-rope_rhyme
"Historical rhymes
Other rhymes are highly topical, and sometimes survive long after the events that inspired them have disappeared from the headlines. Perhaps the most notorious rhyme of this type is one that began circulating during the 1892 trial of Lizzie Borden. Despite Lizzie's desire to stay out of the public eye, children would follow her around and chant the rhyme. It later started being used as a rhyme used when skipping-rope"...
-snip-
Here's information about Lizzie Borden from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lizzie_Borden
"Lizzie Andrew Borden (July 19, 1860 – June 1, 1927) was an American woman who was tried and acquitted of the August 4, 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts.[1][2] No one else was charged in the murders and, despite ostracism from other residents, Borden spent the remainder of her life in Fall River. She died of pneumonia at age 66, just days before the death of her older sister Emma.[3]
The Borden murders and trial received widespread publicity in the United States, and have remained a topic in American popular culture depicted in numerous films, theatrical productions, literary works, and folk rhymes around the Fall River area.[4][5]"...
****
This concludes Part I of this three part pancocojams series.
I specifically remember a jump rope game or hand clap game, from the 80's) where we chose Micheal Jackson or Elvis Presley, but for the life of me I cannot remember what it was. All of these brought back a lot of play ground memories.
ReplyDeleteHello, Anonymous. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteThere's a number of jump rope rhymes and handclap rhymes that mention Elvis Presley or Michael Jackson.
I hope that you have happy memories of these playground rhymes.