Two Robin Redbreasts Lyrics
Two robins raise a family in a hollow tree. When the father says it is time to learn to fly, the little ones all answer "I'll try", and the last verse turns that into a lesson for children.
Two Robin Redbreasts
Two Robin Redbreasts built their nests
Within a hollow tree;
The hen sat quietly at home,
The cock sang merrily;
And all the little young ones said,
"Wee, wee, wee, wee, wee, wee."
One day (the sun was warm and bright,
And shining in the sky),
Cock Robin said, "My little dears,
'T is time you learn to fly;"
And all the little young ones said,
"I'll try, I'll try, I'll try."
I know a child, and who she is
I'll tell you by-and-by,
When Mamma says, "Do this," or "that,"
She says, "What for?" and "Why?"
She'd be a better child by far
If she would say "I'll try."
Printed from https://nurseryrhymes.co/two-robin-redbreasts/
- Type
- Animal Rhymes
- Tune
- Spoken rhyme
- Best for ages
- 2 to 6 years
Hand Motions and Actions
| When you sing | Do this |
|---|---|
| Wee, wee, wee | Cheep in a tiny voice. |
| 'T is time you learn to fly | Flap your arms. |
| I'll try, I'll try, I'll try | Nod your head three times. |
What Does Two Robin Redbreasts Mean?
The hen (mother robin) keeps the nest warm while the cock (father robin) sings. When the chicks are ready, the father tells them to learn to fly, and they all say they will try. The last verse speaks to a child who answers "What for?" and "Why?" whenever she is asked to do something, and suggests "I'll try" instead.
History and Origin
This version comes from Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes. Rhymes that end with a small lesson were very common in nineteenth-century children's books, and the robin was a favorite bird for them.
Learning Activities
- I'll try: pick something new to try this week and say "I'll try" together.
- Nest building: make a nest from twigs or paper strips for a toy bird.
- Fly practice: little birds flap and hop before they fly. Try it.