Bo Peep February 17, 2017 All Rhymes 0 Comments

Orphan boy Tommy Tucker begs on the street for food

Little Tommy Tucker

Little Tommy Tucker
Sings for his supper,
What shall we give him?
Brown bread and butter.
How shall he cut it
Without a knife?
How shall he marry
Without a wife?

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Posted in All Rhymes, Daily Life & Objects, Mother Goose Classics, Songs & Verses

Tagged bread, butter, food, little boy, orphan, poverty, supper, Tommy

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Meaning

This rhyme describes Little Tommy Tucker, a boy who sings to earn his meal, highlighting a child’s dependence and vulnerability. It plays on the phrase “singing for one’s supper,” once used for orphans or poor children who performed or begged in exchange for food. The rhyme also uses playful questions about cutting bread and finding a wife to introduce children to the basics of daily life.

Origin

First published in 1744 in Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book (with later, fuller versions in Mother Goose’s Melody and The Real Mother Goose), this rhyme is part of early English nursery tradition. The character “Tommy Tucker” may have served as a generic name for orphans or children of low standing, reflecting social realities of the time.

Time Period

Earliest print appearance in 1744, with continued publication and adaptations in 18th- and 19th-century nursery collections.

Why It Became Popular

Its rhythm, rhyme, and repetitive structure made it memorable for children. The relatable topic of food, mealtime, and simple questions about tools and marriage helped make the song a favorite for both children and adults.

Structure and Style

Meter: Trochaic, rhythmic and repetitive
Rhyme Scheme: AABBCCDD
Line Count: 8
Style Notes: Question and answer format, sing-song

Themes

Poverty and dependence
Resourcefulness
Social expectations (work for reward, marriage)
Daily life and mealtime

Language Notes

Simple language and everyday references (“bread and butter,” “knife,” “wife”) make the rhyme accessible for children, while also offering gentle wordplay and rhyme practice.

Moral or Lesson

Suggests the importance of earning one’s keep, and hints at social challenges faced by the less fortunate, mixed with humor and simplicity for children.

Historical or Cultural Notes

The rhyming phrase “sing for your supper” has deep historical roots; “Tommy Tucker” was a term sometimes used for orphans or children who begged for food. Some versions of the song use “white bread,” which would have implied greater luxury for a poor child.

Notable Variants

Some early versions use “white bread and butter” instead of “brown,” and alternative versions exist such as “Little Tommy Tupper, waiting for his supper…” found in late 19th-century sources.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Included in all major Mother Goose and traditional nursery rhyme collections. The phrase “sing for your supper” persists in popular culture today.

Suggested Activities

Roleplay: Pretend to be Tommy Tucker singing for supper, and act out sharing or preparing bread and butter.
Table Setting Activity: Demonstrate cutting bread and discuss types of bread and utensils.
Discussion: Talk about historical food customs and caring for those in need.
Creative Recitation: Compose new couplets for Tommy Tucker’s adventures.
Music Game: Try to sing the rhyme and invent your own melody.

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Little Tommy Tucker

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