Another favourite nursery rhyme. The cries of ‘again again’ are always heard after this one!

However I think I am getting too old to sit on the floor, pretending to row row row!

Row row row your boat words

Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.

It has been suggested that the words refer to the difficulties of life.  The rowing boat refers to the person travelling in a set direction. Merrily merrily refering to facing life with cheer. Then the conclusion being life is anything but a dream. Like many nursery rhymes – it is not a happy tale!

Row row row your boat is usually sung ‘in the round’. This is where each person or group of people sing the same words and melody, but start at different times.

I especially like the alternative verses of this rhyme that I’ve heard – there are many but these are my favourite ones:

Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the river.
If you see a polar bear;
Don’t forget to shiver.

and

Row, row, row your boat,
Row another mile.
If you see a crocodile;
Don’t forget to smile.

Finally here is a version of the song, sung complete with lyrics!

Great value Nursery Rhmes DVD’s for your child.