What Are The Words To “Mary Had a Little Lamb”? There's More Than The First Verse

It’s one of the most recognizable songs in the world, but do you actually know all the words to “Mary Had a Little Lamb?” We’re all aware that Mary’s lamb was as white as snow, but what about the rest of the lyrics to this classic children’s song? And did you know that this gentle favorite has an interesting story behind it?

The song found its permanent place in the history books in 1878, when Thomas Edison recited it in an early voice recording, according to Live Science. And “Mary Had a Little Lamb” has no creepy hidden meanings like some other nursery rhymes. It is, in fact, Making Music notes it's about a girl named Mary Sawyer who brought her lamb to school. There is a bit of sadness when Mary’s pet is forced to wait outside due to the school’s “No Lambs Allowed,” policy. But they are soon reunited and return home at the end of the day. Dumb school rules aside, “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a sweet song with lyrics that your little one will love.

So next time you want to sing to your child about a lamb with slight stalker tendencies, make sure to get the words right.

“Mary Had a Little Lamb”

Mary had a little lamb

Little lamb, little lamb

Mary had a little lamb

Its fleece was white as snow.

And everywhere that Mary went

Mary went, Mary went

Everywhere that Mary went

The lamb was sure to go.

He followed her to school one day

School one day, school one day.

He followed her to school one day

Which was against the rule.

It made the children laugh and play

Laugh and play, laugh and play

It made the children laugh and play

To see a lamb at school.

And so the teacher turned him out

Turned him out, turned him out

And so the teacher turned him out

But still he lingered near.

And waited patiently

Patiently, patiently

And wai-aited patiently

Til Mary did appear.

Mary had a little lamb

Little lamb, little lamb

Mary had a little lamb

Its fleece was white as snow.

And everywhere that Mary went

Mary went, Mary went

Everywhere that Mary went

The lamb was sure to go.

And if you’re a parent with a more rock n’ roll edge, then you’ll appreciate Stevie Ray Vaughn’s cover of the classic nursery rhyme.

Image: Tim Pokorny/Flickr