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Who Wrote 'Mary Had A Little Lamb'?

from More Songs About Pickles And Sheep by Jef Czekaj

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about

Mary Sawyer, the woman who claims to be the inspiration for 'Mary Had A Little Lamb,' lived in Somerville as an adult.

But who actually wrote the poem? That's a tougher question to answer.

lyrics

Mary Sawyer was a real girl
and really had a lamb
And that lamb followed her to school
Just like in the po-a-a-am.

John Roulstone was at the school
visiting that day
he saw the lamb, he wrote a poem,
and then went on his way

Who wrote Mary had a little lamb
John Roulstone or Sarah Hale
We’ll never know cuz they’re dead
Let’s play our guitars instead

Meanwhile in New Hampshire
there’s a different tale they tell
They say the poem was written by
Sarah Josepha Hale

Sarah Hale was a poet
and also a writer
In 1830 Mary’s Lamb
was published in a book by her

Who wrote Mary had a little lamb
John Roulstone or Sarah Hale
We’ll never know cuz both dead
Let’s play our guitars instead

So, two stories. Did John Roulstone write the poem and give it to Mary Sawyer, as she or did Sarah Josepha Hale come up with the poem from her own imagination. Unfortunately, Joel Roulstone died very young so no one was able to ask him directly. And both Mary Sawyer and Sarah Josepha Hale signed sworn statements saying their version of the story is true.

So, who was right: Mary Sawyer or Sara Josepha Hale? Guess we’ll never know.

Who wrote Mary had a little lamb
John Roulstone or Sarah Hale
We’ll never know cuz both dead
Let’s play our guitars instead

credits

from More Songs About Pickles And Sheep, released June 15, 2021

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about

Jef Czekaj image

Jef Czekaj Arlington, Massachusetts

Jef Czekaj writes and draws picture books. And, apparently, makes internet puppet shows and music. He/him.

czekaj.com

LATEST BOOK:
Little Ghoul Goes To School

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