Pop goes the weasel! Then out comes a weasel frightening most of the people who play with the toy itself. We have to admit, it is pretty funny to see their reactions. However, did you ever wonder where that originated from? It was originally an English/Scottish song. It made no sense what so ever. However, the so called original lyrics to this song went something like this; “Half a pound of Tuppeny rice. Half a pound of Treacle. That’s the way the money goes. Pop goes the weasel.” They have further investigated the song as soon as it was released and they never found any evidence leading towards any propaganda or political meanings.
Is this a safe song for children to listen to? Yes, it is because years later it became a fun dance song for children. The song was written 1850 and ever since, it has became an American classic. The song also was used to indicate a sense of occasion- something that just happened ‘just like that.’ The rhyme also explains a chain of events and teaches children how things are happening and when they happen.
Can this be a lesson for kids? Well, if you change up the lyrics and add historic events, they will more likely remember them. Studies show that people are more inclined to memorize songs and music as oppose to writing pieces and math. So maybe this can be a new way to teach our young tadpoles. As a matter of fact, kinder gardeners are introduced to this song at a very young age. Which is the perfect opportunity to benefit from the song by teaching them timelines, chronological events and step by step practices.
Finally, a little more about the song. It actually was considered country-pop and it was presented to Queen Victoria. They stated that she was influenced by the song and there was no actual evidence to show that the song was all nonsense. I guess if the Queen liked it, then I do too. Crazy enough, the song was so popular that it was on the front cover of “Vogue”- at their time also known as “The Times.” “Celebrities” an famous figures- at their time, absolutely loved the song and embraced it on all their magazines. The song became popular and word spread and that is how the Queen was then aware of a popular country-pop song going around. Who knew that a nursery rhyme would be this “cool” back then. Now it is just a kid’s song.
All in all, it is a fun song for children and it can be educational, depending really how you use it. Realistically, we can use any song and change it up for the benefit of our kids. That way we can teach them in a fun way. Everything has a history and clearly this song has a history and a footprint in the Queen’s ear. Now we can enjoy many more long decades with the song and use it to its potential.