Cobbler Cobbler Mend My Shoe

There are several alternate versions of “Cobbler, Cobbler, Mend My Shoe”—both in lyrics and in structure. Traditional nursery rhymes often have different stanzas, and sometimes extra or substitute lines are included. Here are some notable variations:

1. Counting/Stitching Variation

Cobbler, cobbler, mend my shoe

Give it one stitch, give it two

Give it three, give it four,

and if it needs it, give it more!

2. Best in Town Version

Cobbler, cobbler, mend my shoe

Have it done by half past two

Stitch it up, and stitch it down

Make it the very best in town!

3. Time Change Variation

Cobbler, cobbler, mend my shoe

Get it done by half past two.

Half past two is far too late,

Get it done by half past eight.

4. “Too ra loo ra lay” Refrain

Cobbler, cobbler, mend my shoe,

Have it done by half past two,

Too ra loo ra loo ra lay.

Sewing up and sewing down,

As I’m going round the town,

Too ra loo ra loo ra lay.

5. “Tour-a lour-a lu” Refrain

Cobbler, cobbler, mend my shoe,

Get it done by half past two,

Tour-a lour-a lour-a lu.

Stitch it up and stitch it down,

While I’m going round the town,

Tour-a lour-a lour-a lu.

Many children’s books, songbooks, and nursery rhyme resources include their own versions, sometimes adapting the lyrics for rhythm, rhyme, or regional language.
The most common elements usually include:

• The cobbler mending/shoe stitching
• A reference to a deadline or time (e.g., half past two, half past eight)
• A promise of payment or a refrain

Some versions are also adapted for actions or games, such as tapping children’s feet while reciting the rhyme.