Dark theory behind childhood nursery rhyme knick knack paddy whack

It seems that every day we learn of some dark or sinister meaning behind a song we once loved. And today is no different.

Because it turns out, if you didn't already know, that 'knick knack paddy whack' probably had some grim origins.

Have a listen for yourself:

Yep, if you cast your mind way back to those formative years, you'll probably recall your mum or whoever swaying you in their arms as they sing the famous tune.

For those of you who aren't familiar with its contents, let's have a look at the lyrics, shall we?

This old man, he played one

He played knick-knack on my thumb

With a knick-knack paddy whack, give a dog a bone

This old man came rolling home

This old man, he played two

He played knick-knack on my shoe

With a knick-knack paddy whack, give a dog a bone

This old man came rolling home

Getty

This old man, he played three

He played knick-knack on my knee

With a knick-knack paddy whack, give a dog a bone

This old man came rolling home

This old man, he played four

He played knick-knack on my door

With a knick-knack paddy whack, give a dog a bone

This old man came rolling home

And so on and so forth...

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Now, it's thought that the song dates back well over 150 years, with various theories on where it originated.

And though most of us have though of it fondly as a harmless nursery rhyme used to get us to sleep, one incredibly dark theory suggests we were very, very wrong.

TikTok/xoxcandace

In a video posted to her TikTok page, @xoxcandace explained that most people believe it was written around the time of the Irish potato famine of 1845-52.

During that time, the country, which was under the control of the British Empire, was blighted by a disease that infected its most important crop, leading to a period of starvation that became known as the Great Famine.

It led to around one millions deaths, approximately a quarter of the country's population.

As a result, many left, moving to England to find work and a new life.

In order to make a living, 'Paddies' as they were known to the English, would sell 'nick nacks'.

According to the theory, when they tried selling their items door to door, they'd be given a 'whack' and sent on their way, while their dog would be given a bone, as in the song.

So the song describes the brutal and inhumane treatment of the Irish people, who were persecuted by the British during its rule.

Might be one to scratch from the set list, lads.

Topics: UK News, Music, Viral, TikTok

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers is LADbible's Editorial Lead. After graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History, he went on to write for the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express. So as you can imagine, he’s spent many a night wondering just how useful that second language has been. But c'est la vie.

@SmithersDom