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Home » Nursery Rhymes

Published: Dec 12, 2022 by Birute Efe · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Jack Sprat Printable Lyrics, Origins, and Video

Nursery rhymes are a special way to learn songs for every kindergarten goer. Jack Sprat is a wonderful nursery rhyme to teach your little ones.

During the 16th century, ‘Jack Sprat’ was used to refer to people with short height. Besides, this rhyme has a fantastic moral behind it. 

This rhyme can be perfect for teaching your children about life's values. Do you know what is the real moral behind this song? What are its origin and history?

Read on to discover everything about “Jack Sprat.” 

So, let’s get started!

Jack Sprat Written Lyrics

Jack Sprat could eat no fat.

His wife could eat no lean.

And so between them both, you see,

They licked the platter clean

Jack ate all the lean,

Joan ate all the fat.

The bone they picked it clean,

Then gave it to the cat

Jack Sprat Printable Lyrics

Download the complete lyrics of Jack Sprat and print it for your little ones from here.

Jack Sprat Photo Lyrics

Jack Sprat lyrics

Video Links

Want to add this rhyme to your little one’s collection of nursery rhyme videos? Check out the link below.

English Rhyme Jack Sprat

History and Origin

Jack Sprat was known as a proverb. In the 16th century, this term was used to refer to short people. 

The moral behind the English proverb was ‘it is better to go supperless than to rise in debt.”

Earlier, John Clarke had mentioned the first two lines in English Proverb Collection in 1639.

Later, the song was collected in a nursery songs book, “The Mother Goose’s Melody,” in 1765.

There are several historical theories attached to this song. Jack Sprat can be indirectly referred to as King Charles I.

The story is about the conflict between the King and the Parliament. The King wanted to declare war against Spain, but the Parliament was against this decision.

In this regard, the King dissolved the parliament, and his wife, Queen Henrietta Maria, illegally laid a ‘war tax’ on citizens.

Another common theory applies to the popular Robin Hood legend, where John is compared to King John. His greedy wife, Isabella, is compared to Jack’s wife. 

Thus, this term was popularized for having a connection with a political figure and a King from a popular legend.

Dinner table and two persons graphics

FAQs

What Couldn't Jack Sprat Eat?

Jack Sprat could not eat any fat. His wife could not eat any lean. However, they only licked the platter clean. 

What is the Moral of Jack Sprat?

The moral of this rhyme is it is always better to go supperless than to rise in debt. Moreover, this saying was later popularized as a nursery rhyme.

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Hi, I'm Birute! I've created playtivites to eliminate boring afternoons and family gatherings. With hundreds of family activities and play ideas, and crafts both parents and kids will enjoy.

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