Oranges and Lemons is a traditional English nursery rhyme that dates back to at least the 18th century. The song features a simple melody and repetitive lyrics that have made it a popular children’s tune for generations.
Theories abound about the meaning behind the words of the nursery rhyme ‘Oranges and Lemons’. The leading verses are loaded with the rhythmic stories of different Bells across London. We take a look at identifying some of these bells as well as the broader and perhaps darker meaning of the nursery rhyme.
No Bells in Oranges and Lemons!
!The “oranges and lemons” in the title of the song likely refer to the various fruits that were sold in the markets of London during the time period when the song was written. Oranges and lemons were popular fruits, and their bright colors and sweet smells likely made them popular choices for children’s songs.
Simple Lyrics, but does it have a simple plot?
The lyrics are indeed simple, but their meaning is not immediately clear. Many theories exist as to the origin and meaning of the song, with one accepted theory being that it was a playful way for children to learn about the various bells of London’s churches.
Another theory suggests that the song was a political satire, with the bells representing various factions or institutions within London society. According to this theory, the song may have been a commentary on the corruption and inequality that existed in London during the 18th century.
What do you think? comment below
Lyrics of Oranges and Lemons Nursery Rhyme
Oranges and Lemons
Say the bells of St. Clement’s
You owe me five farthings
Say the bells of St. Martin’s
When will you pay me?
Say the bells of Old Bailey
When I grow rich
Say the bells of Shoreditch
And when will that be?
Say the bells of Stepney
Oh, I do not know
Say the great bells of Bow
Here comes a candle
To light you to bed
And here comes a chopper
To chop off your head
Oranges and lemons Lyrics: Explained
You can hear the bells of 2 Churches of St Clement today in London, the formally becoming known as the RAF church of St Clement Danes and the church at St Clement’s Eastcheap, but first, you have to make the call which bell is it, or is it neither?
Where is the Church of St Clement Danes, RAF church?
The Church of Clement Danes is a stone’s throw from the Royal Courts of Justice, notably, this is the church that stands in the middle of the road with traffic passing on either side. The date of the site goes back to at least the 9th century when a Danish church once stood. The Church of St Clement Danes is thought to be named after the patron saint of Mariners, St Clement’s.The
The church suffered damage over the years including the great fire of London damage in 1666. In 1682 Sir Christopher Wren completed the church rebuild with James Gibbs, who was responsible for building the tower in 1719.
During World War 2 James Gibbs’s tower had to be rebuilt, due to bomb damage the refurbishment project was finally finished 13 years after the end of the war in 1958. The cost was covered by the fundraising efforts of the RAF. The church was reconsecrated to be the central church of the RAF, on the 19th of October 1958.
The Service details at St Clement Dane Church of the RAF
Reverend William Pennington-Bickford started the Service at the Church of St Clement’s in 1919 to celebrate the restoration of bells and carillon. It was his idea to make them chime into the nursery rhyme. The Rector and his wife started a St Clement’s Danes Oranges and Lemon Service. The children at this service received oranges and lemons, they flew some fruits in from RAF Bases in Cyprus in the past. St Clement’s Dane primary school attends this service every year. It is not the only church associated with the nursery rhyme. The Church of St Clement’s Eastcheap in the East End of London also has an association because of its proximity to the bells of Shoreditch.
When is the service held at the Church of St Clement Danes?
They hold services every year in March, usually on the 3rd Thursday in March
Can we be sure St Clement Danes church is the one in the nursery rhyme?
St Clement Danes does have a plaque inside stating the link, but there are others in the bidding, St Clement’s Eastcheap is the other, making its pitch as the church close to a wharf where Oranges were unloaded. The jury might be still out on that one, it is also possible the lyrical rhyme of St Clement was based on none of the above specific churches and just a very fitting name to a song, it is not that uncommon for lyricists to work with words first, but what would be the point of that in this particular Rhyme. Nonetheless, there are only two churches that are named after the patron saint of Clements, and both claim to be the one in the Oranges and Lemons Nursery Rhyme. St Clement Danes goes on further to play the tune of Oranges and Lemons three times per day, so that is always a good reason to lean to one or the other.
You owe me five farthings, Say the bells of St. Martin’s.
There is not much of the St Martin’s Orgar church today, an unfortunate history of damage during the Great fire of London, rebuilt and subsequently pulled down with part of the tower being rebuilt in 1851. The remains of the churchyard just south of the tower can still be seen today. The parish was merged with Clement Eastcheap. Cheap being the old English word for market, east market and yes you guessed it, there was a west market too.
If you were to indulge in some old London folklore,
When will you pay me? Say the bells at Old Bailey.
Well, the Bell of Old Bailey was a challenge, the Old Bailey courthouse does not have a bell, but across the road, St. Sepulchre-without-Newgate, the largest church in the city of London does. This church was once next door to Newgate prison. The bell of St. Sepulchre-without-Newgate rang the death knell for executions. Old Bailey today is of course more associated with the Central Criminal Court, commonly referred to simply as the Old Bailey, named after the street it is located on, Bailey Street. ‘When will you pay me’ refers to the debtors housed in Newgate prison, with debtors tried at the Old Bailey courthouse next door.
When I grow rich, Say the bells at Shoreditch.
Shoreditch is an area in the East End of London and was once a center for the silk-weaving industry. The area is known for its historic buildings, street art, and vibrant nightlife. However, in the 17th century, it was a working-class neighborhood with a thriving market.
The rhyme “Oranges and Lemons” was sung by children in the area while playing a game that involved passing under an arch made by the arms of two players. The game would end when the player caught in the arch was chosen to be a “sacrifice” and had to pay a forfeit.
The church bell of Shoreditch is the church of St Leonard on Kingsland road. St. Leonard’s church is one of the oldest churches in London and has a long and fascinating history. It was originally built in the 12th century and was known for its beautiful stained glass windows and impressive tower. However, during the English Civil War, the church was badly damaged and fell into disrepair. It was eventually restored in the 18th century and remains a prominent landmark in Shoreditch to this day.
The line “When I grow rich, Say the bells at Shoreditch” is often interpreted as a reflection of the aspirations of the working-class children who sang the rhyme. The idea of growing rich was likely a distant dream for many of them, and the bells of St. Leonard’s church may have represented a symbol of hope for a better future.
The rhyme “When I grow rich, Say the bells at Shoreditch” is part of a longer poem, which goes like this:
“When I grow rich, Say the bells at Shoreditch
When will that be? Say the bells of Stepney
I do not know, Says the great bell of Bow
Here comes a candle to light you to bed
And here comes a chopper to chop off your head.”
The poem is a conversation between the speaker and the bells of different churches in London. The speaker asks each set of bells when they will become rich, and the bells respond with a witty answer. The final line of the poem is a warning that suggests that the speaker should go to bed and be careful, as danger may be lurking around the corner.
When will that be? Say the bells of Stepney
The church of the high seas also known as The Church of St Dunstans is located on Stepney high street. There have been 3 churches built on this site, the current one has been there for almost 500 years, with the first one being built in 952AD. ‘When will that be’ could be when will the ships return. Many sailors are buried in the churchyard here.
The bells of St. Dunstan’s Church in Stepney, East London have been a part of the community since the early 16th century. The church itself was built in the 10th century, but the current building dates back to the 15th century. The bells were cast in 1725 by Thomas Lester and are said to be one of the finest sets of eight bells in the world.
Over the years, the bells have played a significant role in the lives of the people of Stepney. They have rung out to celebrate weddings, mark the passing of loved ones, and announce important events such as the end of World War I and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
But perhaps the most famous association with the bells of Stepney is their inclusion in the nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons. The rhyme, which dates back to the 18th century, tells the story of various churches in London and the bells that ring out from them. The final verse goes:
“Here comes a candle to light you to bed,
And here comes a chopper to chop off your head!
Chip chop chip chop – the last man’s dead!
When will you pay me? Say the bells of Old Bailey
When I grow rich, Say the bells of Shoreditch
When will that be? Say the bells of Stepney”
The rhyme has been a popular children’s song for generations, and the bells of Stepney have become synonymous with the phrase “When will that be?”.
In more recent times, the bells of St. Dunstan’s have continued to play a vital role in the community. They were rung to commemorate the victims of the 7/7 bombings in London, and they rang out to celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games.
Today, the bells of Stepney still chime regularly, and the church is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. While the origins of the phrase “When will that be?” may be lost in the mists of time, the bells of Stepney continue to be a reminder of London’s rich history and enduring traditions.
I do not know, Says the great bell at Bow.
The great bell at Bow has been an iconic symbol of London for centuries. Located in the tower of St. Mary-le-Bow church, it has been a part of the city’s skyline since the 12th century. But, did you know that the bell has a fascinating history behind it?
Legend has it that the great bell at Bow was cast by a group of monks who wanted to create a bell that would rival the famous “Old Tom” bell of St. Paul’s Cathedral. According to the story, the monks decided to add some special ingredients to the molten metal, including their own urine, in order to create a more resonant sound. Whether or not this tale is true, the bell became famous for its distinctive tone.
Over the centuries, the great bell at Bow has been witness to some of London’s most historic events. During the Middle Ages, it was used to signal curfews and to announce the opening and closing of city gates. In 1066, it is said to have been rung to signal the approach of William the Conqueror’s army.
But, perhaps the most famous use of the bell was during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. The rebels, led by Wat Tyler, marched on London and demanded an end to serfdom and other oppressive practices. When they reached St. Mary-le-Bow church, Tyler reportedly demanded to speak with the king, Richard II. The great bell at Bow was rung to signal the king’s arrival, but when he did not appear, the rebels became angry and started a riot. The revolt was eventually put down, but the bell’s role in the events became part of London folklore.
In the centuries that followed, the great bell at Bow continued to be an important part of London life. It was rung to mark important occasions, such as royal coronations and weddings, and to signal disasters, such as the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Today, the great bell at Bow still chimes every hour, reminding Londoners of the city’s rich history. And, if you listen closely, you can still hear its distinctive tone, echoing across the rooftops of the city. As for the meaning behind the bell’s famous inscription, “I do not know,” that remains a mystery. Some say it refers to the bell’s uncertain origins, while others believe it is a reflection of the church’s humility. Whatever the reason, the great bell at Bow remains a fascinating piece of London’s past, and a reminder of the city’s enduring traditions.
The church of St Mary-le-Bow, off Cheapside, is another City of London church with a long past, with original church structures on this site from before the Norman invasion of 1066, the name Bow Bells first appeared written in 1469. The Church you see today is one of Christopher Wren’s masterpieces of the 1670s. The Great Fire of London having taken took out the original church structure. What do you not know? Says the great bell at Bow, what does this one mean
Amazon Nursery Rhyme book top picks
What do Oranges and lemons say the bells of St Clements mean
Theories abound about what the words to the Nursery Rhyme ‘Oranges and Lemons’ mean, putting aside the original versions of the lyrics, there is the consensus of its association with Executions, but that is not a given.
In print, there is a written record of the song in the book called the Dancing Master of 1665, which depicts the song played against a square 4 eight dance. The book is a manual with music and dance instructions for English country dances, published by John Playford. We can find the original version of this book in the British Library,
Other Nursery Rhymes that may have other meaning
Leave a comment below if you know of the darker meaning to Oranges & Lemons or any of the other most known Nursery Rhymes.
- Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
- Jack and Jill
- Rub a dub dub
- Three blind Mice
- Here we go round the Mulberry Bush
- Ring a Ring o’ Roses
Comment Below with your thoughts and interpretations of this nursery rhyme
Would love to read your thoughts and versions of this classic Nursery Rhyme. It does paint an incredible tapestry of London history and London Life.
Still searching for the macabre origins of the last few lines…
This is quite a gruesome poem upon hearing the lyrics
I have to admit, I do not recall listening to the words, more the rhythm, interesting stuff