Simple Simon Lyrics

First published around 1764. A humorous nursery rhyme about a foolish boy named Simple Simon and his encounters with a pieman. Best for ages 4–8. Older preschoolers love this rhyme because they can finally feel "smarter" than the character — Simon's mistakes (no money for a pie, fishing in a pail) give children a chance to recognize what's silly. That mental act of comparison is the foundation of higher-order thinking. Discussion prompts: "Why couldn't Simon catch a whale in his mother's pail?" Pair with [best funny and silly stories](/blog/best-funny-silly-stories).

Simple Simon met a pieman
Going to the fair.
Said Simple Simon to the pieman,
"Let me taste your ware."

Said the pieman to Simple Simon,
"Show me first your penny."
Said Simple Simon to the pieman,
"Indeed I have not any!"

Simple Simon went a-fishing
For to catch a whale.
All the water he had got
Was in his mother's pail.