The Most Messed-Up Children’s Songs: Debunking Myths and Delving into Secrets
When it comes to children’s songs, some contain hidden depths and sometimes deeply disturbing themes. Traditions can be both delightful and deceiving. Today, we untangle the myth surrounding the nursery rhyme “Ring Around the Rosie” and explore the reasons why certain popular children’s songs might be considered messier than others.
Unraveling the Myths: “Ring Around the Rosie”
The question of “What’s the most messed up children’s song?” often raises the unverified theory that “Ring Around the Rosie” is about the Black Death. As folklore scholars argue, this theory is purely fabricated and lacks historic and medical evidence. The Great Plague first appeared in the mid-14th century, long before the song’s creation.
The so-called “symptoms” described in “Ring Around the Rosie” - the ring of red skin (sores), the posies, and the ash to protect from the smell of death - do not correspond with the actual symptoms of the Black Death. Thus, the true origin of this nursery rhyme remains a mystery.
A Closer Look at “London Bridge Is Falling Down”
Another candidate for the most messed-up children’s song is “London Bridge Is Falling Down.” This rhyme depicts the collapse of an iconic bridge, which is heartwarming and intriguing. Yet, its potential dark undertone of celebrating a bridge's fall intrigues some contemporaries. Allegedly, the bridge was destroyed in an act of revenge by those who were denied the right to cross it. However, this interpretation is far from universally accepted, and the rhymes mostly focus on the joy of play and the deeds of repairing the bridge.
Folklorists mostly agree that “London Bridge Is Falling Down” is a playful song without sinister connotations. The lyrics celebrate the idea of restoration and reinforcement, making it less messed-up than previously thought.
The Most Messed-Up Children’s Song: "Ring Around The Rosie"
Considering these alternatives, the song that most challenges the mind is likely to be “Ring Around The Rosie”. This song, when coupled with the myth of the Black Death, delves into deeply unsettling imagery. It suggests that the rose is in reference to the sores caused by the plague, the posies are used to combat the smell of death, and the “fall down” is a euphemism for death. This theory, while not likely to be historically accurate, introduces a dark and morbid tone that is difficult to disprove.
The Life as a Dream Theory
According to some authors, the human life may be seen as a series of dream experiences, with the goal of gaining new insights and knowledge. This idea is explored in the book sourced below, which presents a fascinating take on how we, as beings, interact with our environment and evolve through these experiences.
Source: Chapter 14, Page 375. Downloadable for free at:
Conclusion
Children’s songs often carry more weight than their simple and innocent fa?ades suggest. Whether it’s the mystery of “Ring Around the Rosie,” the potential violence of “London Bridge Is Falling Down,” or the dark undercurrents of more recent theories, these songs are more than just nursery rhymes.
The true essence of these songs lies in their power to provoke thought and imagination. As we continue to explore the hidden meanings behind these cherished tunes, we find that they hold the keys to complex and profound understandings of our lives and our world.