King Cole

By Walter Crane

Ballad
    Old King Cole was a merry old soul,     And a merry old soul was he;     He called for his pipe, and he called for his bowl,     And he called for his fiddlers three.     Ev'ry fiddler had a fiddle,     And a very fine fiddle had he.     Tweedle dee, tweedle dee, tweedle dee, tweedle dee,     Tweedle dee, tweedle dee, went the fiddlers three,     O there's none so rare as can compare     With King Cole and his fiddlers three.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem under consideration is a nursery rhyme, a traditional form of verse aimed at children. Its central themes encompass merriment, music and fellowship. The eponymous character, Old King Cole, is presented as a merry figure whose simple pleasures are his pipe, his bowl, and the music of his fiddlers three.

The structure is simple and repetitive, using the device of anaphora (repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines) to create rhythm and build anticipation. The poem employs end-rhyme throughout, creating a strong sense of musicality and playfulness. This is reinforced by the use of onomatopoeia in the repeated "tweedle dee" sounds, which mimic the sound of the fiddles and add an auditory dimension to the reader's experience.

The tone is jolly and light-hearted, reflecting the merry character of the king and his entertainment. The final line underscores the uniqueness and incomparability of this merry monarch and his musicians. Overall, the poem is an engaging and lively piece, showcasing the joy of simple pleasures and the power of music in creating a festive atmosphere.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.