Oranges and lemons,
Say the bells of St. Clement’s.
You owe me five farthings,
Say the bells of St. Martin’s.
When will you pay me?
Say the bells at Old Bailey.
When I grow rich,
Say the bells at Shoreditch.
When will that be?
Say the bells of Stepney.
I do not know,
Says the great bell at Bow.
Here comes a candle to light you to bed,
And here comes a chopper to chop off your head!
Chip chop chip chop the last man is dead.
Credits
Ririro presents this beloved nursery rhyme, which dates back to at least the 18th century and is closely associated with the real church bells of the City of London. The rhyme was traditionally accompanied by a children's singing game in which two players formed an arch and "chopped" down the last child to pass through — making that dramatic final verse more than just words.
