Singers at the Youth Traditional Song conference. Photo by Lorelei Erisis. — Photo by Lorelei Erisis

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Song of the Month

Join us each month in song!

Since 2016—our designated Year of Song—CDSS has featured a traditional song each month. Lorraine Hammond spearheaded this effort, and it was such a popular feature that Judy Cook volunteered to continue the tradition in 2017 and beyond.

Note: Many of these old songs should be looked at as “fairy tales for adults” in that they often address very strong, and sometimes scary, subject matter. They allow us to deal with difficult situations and emotions with the distance afforded by putting it in a song. They are cautionary tales, and had their use as such.

This month’s song:

September 2023: Cock Robin
Submitted by Judy Cook

There are many versions of the nursery rhyme of “Cock Robin” in both Britain and America. Some say the song originated with the intrigues that led to the downfall of Robert Walpole in 1742. He was the longest serving British Prime Minister; the period of his dominance is sometimes called “the Robinocracy.”

I found this version of “Cock Robin” in Songs of All Time, sponsored by Council of the Southern Mountains, 1946. In that lovely little book, it is credited as a Virginia version collected by Richard Chase.

The same version appears in American Folk Tales and Songs, compiled by Richard Chase, 1956. In that book, Chase says he collected it from a singer, whose name he failed to record, near Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He also reports that a Native American told him that the tune is the same as a Shoshone night chant. I find the song delightful and mesmerizing.

Listen to Judy and Dennis Cook performing “Cock Robin:”

Download the sheet music for “Cock Robin.”

Lyrics

Who killed Cock Robin? Who killed Cock Robin?
“I,” said the sparrow, “With my little bow and arrow.
It was I, oh it was I.”

Who saw him die? Who saw him die?
“I,” said the fly, “With my little teensy eye.
It was I, oh it was I.”

Who caught his blood? Who caught his blood?
“I,” said the fish, “With my little silver dish.
It was I, oh it was I.”

Who sewed his shroud? Who sewed his shroud?
“I,” said the beetle, “With my little sewing needle.
It was I, oh it was I.”

Who dug his grave? Who dug his grave?
“I,” said the crow, “With my little spade and hoe.
It was I, oh it was I.”

Who hauled him to it? Who hauled him to it?
“I,” said the bear, “Just as hard as I could tear.
It was I, oh it was I.”

Who lowered him down? Who lowered him down?
“I,” said the crane, “With my little golden chain.
It was I, oh it was I.”

Who pat his grave? Who pat his grave?
“I,” said the duck, “With my big old splatter foot.
It was I, oh it was I.”

Who preached the funeral? Who preached the funeral?
“I,” said the swallow, “Just as loud as I could holler.
It was I, oh it was I.”

Who killed Cock Robin? Who killed Cock Robin?
“I,” said the sparrow, “With my little bow and arrow.
It was I, oh it was I.
It was I, oh it was I.”

Judy Cook is an author, entertainer, and folk singer. She has been living in Oberlin, Ohio, with her husband Dennis since 2013. Since 1998, she has been touring throughout both Britain and the US. She is known for her repertoire and storytelling ability in song. Judy has one book and several CDs. Lyrics and recordings of her songs are on her website. You may reach her at judy@judycook.net.

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