Baa Baa Black Sheep Lyrics

One of the oldest English nursery rhymes, first published around 1731. Uses the same melody as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and the ABC Song. Best for ages 1–5. Beyond the catchy tune, this rhyme is a quiet primer on counting ("three bags full"), possession ("one for the master"), and community roles (master, dame, little boy). The shared melody with two other classics makes it an excellent vehicle for teaching the concept that the same tune can carry different words — an early music literacy insight. For more on this melodic family, see [top 15 nursery rhymes every child should know](/blog/top-15-nursery-rhymes-kids-should-know).

Baa, baa, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three bags full!

One for the master,
One for the dame,
And one for the little boy
Who lives down the lane.

Baa, baa, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three bags full!