Little Fred Lyrics
Every night, little Fred does the same things in the same order: prayers, a kiss for each parent, then straight upstairs to bed. A four-line picture of a calm bedtime.
Little Fred
When little Fred went to bed,
He always said his prayers;
He kissed mamma, and then papa,
And straightway went upstairs.
Printed from https://nurseryrhymes.co/little-fred/
- Type
- Mother Goose, Lullabies
- Tune
- Spoken rhyme
- Best for ages
- 2 to 6 years
What Does Little Fred Mean?
Fred has a bedtime routine. He says his prayers, kisses his mother and father goodnight and goes straightway, meaning straight away, upstairs without any fuss. The rhyme holds him up as a good example for sleepy listeners.
History and Origin
The rhyme is printed in The Real Mother Goose (1916). Many old nursery rhymes describe bedtime, from Wee Willie Winkie running through the town to children who will not go to bed, and this one shows the peaceful version.
Learning Activities
- Bedtime steps: make a picture chart of your own bedtime routine.
- Goodnight round: say goodnight to each person in the family before bed, like Fred.
- Calm voice: whisper the rhyme as the last thing before lights out.