The Mulberry Bush

By Walter Crane

    Here we go round the mulberry bush,     the mulberry bush, the mulberry bush;     Here we go round the mulberry bush,     All on a frosty morning.     This is the way we clap our hands,     This is the way we clap our hands,     This is the way we clap our hands,     All on a frosty morning.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline


Share the Love of Poetry

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
The poem appears to be a whimsical children's rhyme, marked by its simple structure and repetitive lines. It employs a circular narrative, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity that mirrors the circular motion depicted in the poem. The repeated phrase, "Here we go round the mulberry bush" and "This is the way we clap our hands" not only makes it easy for children to remember and recite but also emphasizes the cyclic nature of the activities being performed.

The tone of the poem is playful and vivacious, capturing the innocence and joy of childhood. The inclusion of the phrase "All on a frosty morning" introduces a tactile element, adding a sensory layer to the poem, while also setting a specific time and place. The frosty morning could denote the beginning of something new or the start of a journey, a theme often found in children's literature. The use of such a specific environmental detail also encourages the reader to engage their imagination, further enhancing the poem's lively ambiance.

In terms of literary devices, this poem leans heavily on repetition and rhyme to create a catchy rhythm, which can be seen as a form of anaphora. This, along with its simple diction and imagery, makes it a perfect piece for engaging young readers and introducing them to poetry.

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.