Old King Cole is a traditional English nursery rhyme and counting song.
The rhyme first appeared in print in 1708 in a collection called “The Tragic History of King Lear and his Three Daughters.”
It has been a popular nursery rhyme for generations and is often sung by children.
Lyrics for Old King Cole
Old King Cole was a merry old soul
And a merry old soul was he
He called for his pipe
And he called for his bowl
And he called for his fiddlers three
Ev’ry fiddler had a fiddle
And a very fine fiddle had he
There’s none so rare
As can compare
With King Cole and his fiddlers three
Origins and History Of Old King Cole
The origin and historical significance of the name Old King Cole are subject to debate among scholars.
Some believe there may have been a real King Cole who inspired the rhyme, but no concrete historical figure has been definitively linked to it.
Others suggest it may be a fictional character created for the rhyme’s playful and musical qualities.
Over the years, Old King Cole has been referenced in various forms of popular culture, including books, music, and even in naming various businesses and establishments.
It remains a classic nursery rhyme that children continue to enjoy singing.