The Crooked Man is a traditional English nursery rhyme that dates back to the 19th century. It is often categorized as a Mother Goose nursery rhyme, although its origins and meaning remain unclear. The rhyme has been passed down through generations and included in various nursery rhyme collections.
The lyrics describe a man with physical deformities or a peculiar way of walking. “Crooked” emphasizes his unusual appearance and behavior. The narrative details his actions, such as finding a crooked sixpence and buying a crooked cat that catches a crooked mouse. In the end, the characters live together in a little crooked house.
Interpretations of the rhyme vary, and there is no universally agreed-upon meaning. Some suggest that it may have political or historical origins, referring to a specific person or event. In contrast, others view it as a simple, whimsical children’s rhyme without a deeper meaning.
Despite its ambiguity, The Crooked Man remains a popular and enduring nursery rhyme that children have enjoyed for many years.
Lyrics for There Was a Crooked Man
There are many versions of the Crooked Man song but this is the most common:
There was a crooked man
And he walked a crooked mile
He found a crooked penny
And gave a crooked smile
He bought a crooked cat
Which caught a crooked mouse
And they all lived together in a crooked little house
There was a crooked man
And he crossed a crooked road
To help a crooked chicken
And help a crooked toad
He brought his crooked friends
To meet his crooked cat and mouse
And they all lived together in a crooked little house.
There was a crooked man
And he met a crooked girl
He gave a crooked ring to her
That had a crooked pearl
He danced a crooked dance
With his new crooked spouse
And they all lived together in a crooked little house
There was a crooked man
And he walked a crooked mile
He found a crooked penny
And gave a crooked smile
He bought a crooked cat
Which caught a crooked mouse
And they all lived together in a crooked little house