The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

"Cross down when Billy was one, he learned to suck his thumb,
Thumb yellow, thumb yellow, half past one.
Cross down when Billy was two, he learned to tie his shoe,
Shoe yellow, shoe yellow, half past two. Cross down" etc.
--when Billy was three, he learned to climb a tree.
--when Billy was four, he learned to shut the door.
--when Billy was five, he learned to do a dive.
--when Billy was six, he learned to pick up sticks.
--when Billy was seven, he learned to pray to heaven.
--when Billy was eight, he learned to shut the gate.
--when Billy was nine, he learned to draw a line.
--when Billy was ten, he learned to pluck a hen.

Submitter comment: This is a song with clapping done by two people.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; Kenmore

James Callow Keyword(s): AGE ; CHAIN

Date learned: 00001977 ca.