The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JUMP ROPE RHYME

I HAD A LITTLE TEDDY BEAR
HIS NAME WAS TINY TIM
I PUT HIM IN THE BATHTUB
TO SEE IF HE COULD SWIM

HE DRANK UP ALL THE WATER
HE ATE UP ALL THE SOAP
HE DIED LAST NIGHT
WITH A BUBBLE IN HIS THROAT.

IN CAME THE DOCTOR
IN CAME THE NURSE
IN CAME THE LADY
WITH THE ALLIGATOR PURSE

MUMPS SAID THE DOCTOR
MUMPS SAID THE NURSE
MUMPS SAID THE LADY
WITH THE ALLIGATOR PURSE

OUT WENT THE DOCTOR
OUT WENT THE NURSE
OUT WENT THE LADY
WITH THE ALLIGATOR PURSE.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT LEARNED THIS RHYME IN HER GRADE SCHOOL DAYS ON THE EAST SIDE OF DETROIT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): CALL-RHYME ; CHARACTER ; PLAIN-JUMP

Date learned: 10-00-1967