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The lyrics to Mary Had a Little Lamb

Mary Had a Little Lamb with Two Happy BearsThe popular children’s song Mary Had a Little Lamb has an interesting history, and there is some confusion about who wrote the original lyrics. Most historians believe that the first half of the poem was written by a man named John Roulstone, and that it was later added to by an author named Sarah Hale. The lyrics below are those published by Hale in 1830.

Visit the main Mary Had a Little Lamb lead sheet page for the sheet music to the song in seven keys for piano, recorder, woodwinds, brass, and all string instruments, as well as its history. Visit Fluffy and Ivy at www.TwoHappyBears.com.

Mary Had a Little Lamb lyrics published by Sarah Hale in 1830

Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow;
And every where that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go.
He followed her to school one day,
That was against the rule;
It made the children laugh and play
To see a lamb at school.

And so the Teacher turned him out,
But still he lingered near,
And waited patiently about,
Till Mary did appear.
And then he ran to her and laid
His head upon her arm,
As if he said, "I'm not afraid,
You'll shield me from all harm."

"What makes the lamb love Mary so,"
The little children cry;
"O, Mary loves the lamb you know,”
The Teacher did reply,
"And you each gentle animal
In confidence may bind,
And make them follow at your call,
If you are always kind."