Bo Peep February 15, 2017 All Rhymes 0 Comments

Curly Locks

Curly Locks, Curly Locks,
Will you be mine?
You shall not wash dishes,
Nor feed the swine,
But sit on a cushion
And sew a fine seam,
And sup upon strawberries,
Sugar, and cream.

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Posted in All Rhymes, Daily Life & Objects, Historical & Traditional, Mother Goose Classics, People & Characters

Tagged affection, cream, curly hair, dishes, domestic, labor, pig, sewing, strawberries, sugar

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Meaning

“Curly Locks” is a rhyme that reads as a romantic or affectionate proposal, idealizing a life of domestic ease for a young girl. It reflects gendered expectations of a bygone era—offering a vision where a girl, if chosen or married, will be shielded from hard labor and instead engage in genteel domestic tasks and indulgences. It’s often interpreted as either a playful courtship rhyme or a fantasy of idealized domesticity.

Origin

The rhyme is of English origin, most likely from the early 19th century, though it has roots in much older courtship songs. It emerged from a cultural tradition where simple rhymes were used to express affection or teasing in social or nursery contexts.

Time Period

Early 1800s, with some sources suggesting late 18th century. It became more formally recorded during the Victorian era, when nursery rhymes were collected and popularized in printed anthologies.

Why It Became Popular

The charming rhythm, sing-song quality, and affectionate tone made it popular in nurseries and children’s recitations. It also reflects societal norms of the time, which romanticized a woman’s domestic role. Its easy memorability and imagery of luxury and gentleness helped it remain in print through many nursery rhyme collections.

First Known Publication

Appeared in James Orchard Halliwell’s The Nursery Rhymes of England (1842), though likely existed in oral tradition prior to that.

Structure and Style

Meter: Mostly trochaic tetrameter
Rhyme Scheme: AABB
Line Count: 4 lines
Style Notes: The rhyme uses inversion (“wilt thou”) and repetition (“Curly Locks, Curly Locks”) to establish a lyrical, old-fashioned tone. The alternating domestic tasks and rewards contrast labor with luxury.

Themes

Courtship
Gender roles
Domestic life
Idleness vs labor
Beauty and reward

Language Notes

“Wilt thou” is an archaic form of “will you,” adding poetic and formal flair.
“Feed the swine” was a reference to dirty, low-status labor.
“Sew a fine seam” implies a genteel, decorative skill.
“Strawberries, sugar, and cream” symbolizes luxury and indulgence.

Moral or Lesson

None clearly intended, but it reflects traditional views of feminine idealization and reward for beauty. From a modern lens, it invites discussion on gender roles and romanticized domesticity.

Historical or Cultural Notes (Optional)

During the 18th and 19th centuries, poetry and nursery rhymes often romanticized a woman’s place in the home. This rhyme echoes the “angel in the house” ideal, suggesting that a beautiful girl with curly hair deserves a life of refinement rather than toil. While charming on the surface, it also encapsulates Victorian gender expectations.

Notable Variants

Some versions alter the line “sew a fine seam” to “sew by a stream,” or modify the food references based on regional preferences. In some 20th-century adaptations, the rhyme was used in doll commercials and children’s songs with modernized lyrics.

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