Ring Around the Rosie Lyrics

First recorded in print in 1881. A popular circle game where children hold hands and fall down at the end. One of the most widely played children's singing games. Best for ages 2–6. Despite persistent internet myths linking it to the Plague (debunked by folklorists), the rhyme is simply a joyful circle game that builds cooperative play, gross-motor control (the controlled fall), and listening for cues. Excellent for groups, birthday parties, and outdoor afternoons. For more group-singing games, see [top 10 circle time songs for preschool](/blog/top-10-circle-time-songs-for-preschool) and [group singing benefits for children](/blog/group-singing-benefits-for-children).

Ring around the rosie,
A pocket full of posies.
Ashes! Ashes!
We all fall down!

The cows are in the meadow
Eating buttercups.
Ashes! Ashes!
We all stand up!