"Little Boy Blue"

 

 

The history of "Little Boy Blue" is a tangled thread woven through oral tradition, literary references, and printing technology. Here's what we know:

Earliest traces:

• 1744: The earliest confirmed appearance is in Tommy Thumb's Little Song Book, suggesting circulation before that date.
• Possible Shakespearean reference: Some speculate a connection to lines from King Lear (1606) mentioning a sleeping shepherd and sheep in danger.

Possible inspiration:

• Cardinal Wolsey: Some theories identify the "boy" as Thomas Wolsey, who rose from humble beginnings (possibly including tending livestock) to become a powerful Cardinal. However, this lacks strong evidence.
• Hayward: Another theory proposes the boy as a hayward, a medieval official responsible for keeping livestock out of crops. This aligns with the mention of the corn and the horn blown as a warning.

Evolution and variants:

• Multiple versions: Different editions of "Little Boy Blue" emerged over time, with additional verses and slight variations in wording.
• Eugene Field's poem: In 1888, poet Eugene Field wrote a sentimental poem titled "Little Boy Blue" about a deceased child, unrelated to the traditional rhyme.

Overall:

• "Little Boy Blue" likely existed orally for centuries before its first printed appearance.
• Its exact origin and meaning remain debatable, with several intriguing interpretations offered.
• The rhyme continues to captivate with its simple rhythm, relatable characters, and timeless themes of responsibility, consequences, and perhaps even the comfort of a nap.

So, while the true history of "Little Boy Blue" remains elusive, its enduring charm as a nursery rhyme is undeniable. It continues to evoke images of sleepy shepherds, mischievous animals, and the gentle humor of letting someone slumber on, even if it causes a bit of chaos.