See Saw Margery Daw

See-saw, Margery Daw,
Jack shall have a new master.
He shall earn but a penny a day,
Because he can’t work any faster.

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Posted in All Rhymes, Historical & Traditional, Mother Goose Classics, People & Characters, Playground, Songs & Verses

Tagged Jack, labor, Margery, money, penny, value

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Meaning

“See Saw Margery Daw” is a traditional nursery rhyme often recited as a playground song or during the action of rocking back and forth (as on a see-saw). The rhyme is commonly interpreted as referencing child labor, particularly the meager pay and harsh conditions for children in Victorian workhouses. The words also serve as a teasing chant about poverty and lack of productivity.

Origin

Originating in England, the rhyme dates as far back as the 18th century and was first printed in “Mother Goose’s Melody” in 1765. It may have evolved from work songs sung by sawyers (woodcutters) to maintain rhythm, with “Margery Daw” being a rhyming name rather than an actual person. Earlier versions referenced selling a bed and sleeping on straw, hinting at poverty or slovenliness.

Time Period

18th-century England; first printed version in 1765.

Why It Became Popular

Its repetitive chant style and easy rhythm made it ideal for games and rocking motions with children. The rhyme has endured as a fingerplay, rocking song, and taunting rhyme among children.

Structure and Style

Meter: Simple, bouncy rhythm, suited for rocking or work song
Rhyme Scheme: ABCB
Line Count: Four lines (common modern form)
Style Notes: Chant, rhythmic, easy to memorize

Themes

Playground games
Child labor and poverty (historical context)
Rhythmic work songs
Mocking taunts

Language Notes

“See saw” alludes to the motion of the children’s game and possibly sawing wood; “Margery Daw” is likely a nonsense or rhyming name. Early versions featured “Johnny” or “Jacky.”

Moral or Lesson

While primarily a rocking or game song, its traditional words reinforce the realities of social class and labor, and later versions evoke sympathy for underpaid children.

Historical or Cultural Notes

Originally referencing hardship or poverty, the rhyme grew into a playful song for rocking children or using seesaws. Its social message about “a penny a day” for slow work reflects past attitudes toward labor.

Notable Variants

Older lyrics referenced selling a bed for straw and were directed at “Margery Daw” as a dirty or slovenly character, but the rhyme evolved to focus on “Jacky” or “Johnny” and his poor pay.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Appears in countless collections of English nursery rhymes and is cited in studies on childhood, folklore, and labor history.

Suggested Activities

Rocking Song: Chant while rocking a child on a lap or seesaw.
Fingerplay: Use as a hand game or simple movement rhyme.
Discussion: With older children, explore changes in child labor and social history.
Creative Writing: Invent new verses reflecting modern circumstances or feelings.

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See Saw Margery Daw

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See Saw Margery Daw

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