The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #58232   Message #924131
Posted By: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
01-Apr-03 - 11:34 PM
Thread Name: rhymes for counting Magpies
Subject: RE: Magpies
JudeL- In Liverpool many years ago, we found parts of your list in a ball-bouncing rigamarole;

Cherry stones, cherry stones,
Cherry stones upon my plate-
One-two-three-four and there'r lots more,
Every one counts a wish:

Tinker,tailor,soldier, sailor,
Rich man, poor man, beggerman, thief-
Lady, baby, gypsy queen,
Will you, won't you marry me?

The "Cherry stones" part was always straightforward ball-bouncing, but each time the "Tinker, tailor" chorus was reached, the rhythm was shifted, e.g. TINK (two bounces)ER (one bounce), and so on...you've all done it so you know what I mean!