Composer

:

Christmas Traditional

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

4:08

"Who Killed Cock Robin?" is a traditional English nursery rhyme that has been passed down through generations. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th century. The rhyme has been adapted into various forms, including a popular children's game and a murder mystery novel. The rhyme tells the story of the death of a robin and the subsequent investigation to find out who killed him. The first verse goes: "Who killed Cock Robin? I, said the Sparrow, With my bow and arrow, I killed Cock Robin." The rhyme then goes on to introduce other animals who are questioned about their involvement in the murder, including the fly, the fish, and the owl. Each animal denies responsibility until the final verse, where it is revealed that the farmer's wife killed Cock Robin to make a pie. The rhyme has several movements, each introducing a new character and adding to the mystery of who killed Cock Robin. The movements are: 1. Introduction: "Who killed Cock Robin?" 2. The Sparrow: "I, said the Sparrow" 3. The Fly: "I'll go and tell the Queen" 4. The Queen: "Who saw him die?" 5. The Fish: "Caught by the fisherman" 6. The Hare: "I saw him die" 7. The Owl: "I heard him say" 8. The Farmer's Wife: "I killed Cock Robin" The rhyme is characterized by its repetitive structure and simple language, making it easy for children to learn and recite. It also has a dark undertone, with the murder of a beloved bird and the subsequent cover-up by the animals. Despite its macabre subject matter, "Who Killed Cock Robin?" remains a beloved nursery rhyme and a staple of English folklore.

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