the melody is very close to 'The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down' which is used as the them to Warner Brothers Cartoons, Merry Melodies. I'm sure that has an author, but can't remember who. My guess is some kid(s) borrowed it for the jump rope, clapping, whatever playground stuff. OR the 'Merry-GO-Round Broke down' guy used an old schoolyard rhyme for his composition. I think there is an earlier Merry-Go ROund song that the 'Broke Down' one was written in comic response to, (Bad Grammar, sorry) but can't recall. ANy thoughts?