I saw something over on Reddit that gave me pause… people keep asking stuff about originality. Writers freak out when they discover the story they’ve been writing for years just came out from another author or as Netflix special. And sure, Elizabeth Gilbert warned us that Great Big Ideas float around like seeds looking for receptive soil; it’s also true that when thousands of people were raised pretty much like you, with pretty similar influences and interests, it’s pretty likely you’ll come up with similar ideas.
But someone pointed out that nursery rhymes are kind of a salve against the terror of originality… because 3 of our universal favorites have the exact same melody! So here’s a little bit of background just for fun, it’s probably overdeveloped but I wanted to share some other resources I found too.
The point basically is this: you can use the exact same “tune” (story structure, even premise or idea – because also of course genres share common elements) but you can tell it in a fresh, entirely new way, with new characters. In fact, one of the biggest red flags is authors who say they are trying to make something completely new that doesn’t fit in any genre. This means – they don’t read in a certain genre, don’t know who they are trying to please – and for the sake of being “authentic” are going to miss all the necessary, critical markers of successful commercial fiction.
From Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to Baa Baa Black Sheep, there’s a surprising connection between some of the most beloved nursery rhymes in history: they all share the same melody. And yet, despite their similarities, each one has its own distinct story, audience, and purpose. So why do they work? What can writers learn from these songs for kids and their influence on children’s literature? In this article, we’ll dive into the history and lyrics of these iconic tunes, exploring how they’ve shaped generations of children and why the concept of “borrowing” ideas is a fundamental part of storytelling.
The Magic of the Shared Melody: How Structure Carries Different Stories
It’s an undisputed truth in both music and literature: some frameworks just work. When it comes to children’s songs, the simple melody of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Baa Baa Black Sheep, and The ABC Song has become iconic—yet each of these songs tells a different story, evokes a different feeling, and serves a distinct purpose. They share the same musical structure, but the stories they convey, the messages they impart, and the audiences they reach couldn’t be more different.
For writers, this is a beautiful reminder: the framework doesn’t limit you. A borrowed structure, be it a melody or a trope, doesn’t mean your story will be any less original or important. The heart of the narrative—the characters, the conflict, the emotion—will always set it apart. Think of the way these songs each use the same melody to create entirely different experiences. The message is in the voice, in how it’s told, and in what it means to the listener.
The Songs That Share a Melody: A Journey Through the History and Lyrics
1. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
History:
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star is a classic children’s lullaby that dates back to 1806. The lyrics were written by Jane Taylor, a British poet, and the melody comes from a French folk tune. Originally published in Rhymes for the Nursery, it was meant to comfort children at bedtime and teach them about the stars.
Lyrics: Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Function and Influence on Children’s Literature:
As one of the most famous lullabies in the world, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star has soothed generations of children to sleep. It’s a perfect example of how music can impart a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe. The song is a gentle introduction to nature, sparking children’s imaginations and teaching them about the sky and the stars.
Its influence can be seen in countless bedtime stories and educational books that focus on the natural world and the exploration of the cosmos. Twinkle, Twinkle is simple, yet profound in its ability to create an early fascination with the mysteries of the world.
2. Baa Baa Black Sheep
History:
Baa Baa Black Sheep dates back to the 18th century, though its origins remain unclear. Some believe the rhyme was a political commentary about the wool tax in England, while others think it was simply an innocent nursery rhyme. Regardless, it has become a staple of childhood education, often sung to teach children about colors, counting, and responsibility.
Lyrics: Baa, baa, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three bags full;
One for the master,
One for the dame,
And one for the little boy
Who lives down the lane.
Function and Influence on Children’s Literature:
While Twinkle, Twinkle invites us to dream, Baa Baa Black Sheep teaches about sharing and community. The song’s origins in teaching practical matters, such as the distribution of wool, give it a grounding in reality. The repetition of the melody makes it memorable, while the lyrics subtly introduce concepts of fairness, generosity, and the value of work. It has long been used to foster early numeracy skills (three bags full) and to encourage moral lessons in children’s literature—emphasizing the importance of giving and being mindful of others.
3. The ABC Song
History:
The ABC Song, like Twinkle, Twinkle, uses the same melody, but its purpose is clear: to teach children the alphabet. With roots dating back to the early 19th century, the song was originally part of a different melody, but it was adapted for the modern alphabet by Charles Bradlee in 1835.
Lyrics: ABCDEFG,
HIJK,
LMNOP,
QRSTUV,
WXYZ.
Function and Influence on Children’s Literature:
The ABC Song is a foundational part of early childhood education. It’s more than just a song—it’s a tool that shapes how children understand and memorize the alphabet. The repetitive structure of the melody makes it easy for young listeners to latch on to the sounds and letter associations.
The song has influenced generations of children’s books, particularly alphabet-themed stories, from Dr. Seuss’s ABC to picture books that illustrate each letter’s significance. By combining rhythm, rhyme, and music, the ABC Song offers an enjoyable way for children to begin their lifelong literacy journey.
What These Songs Teach Us About Borrowing Ideas (And Making Them Your Own)
Writers, Take Note:
The commonality among Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Baa Baa Black Sheep, and The ABC Song is that they all borrow the same melody—but each serves a distinct purpose. The same can be said for writers and their stories.
A framework or structure that’s been used before doesn’t mean your version is any less valuable. Whether you’re telling the same kind of love story that’s been done a hundred times or exploring the same plot as an iconic movie, your version can still be unique.
These songs teach us that it’s not about the structure—it’s about how you use it. Each of these nursery rhymes takes the same melodic foundation and makes it their own by adding lyrics, context, and meaning. In the same way, a writer can take a common theme, trope, or framework and make it fresh and meaningful by adding their own voice, perspective, and personality.
- Twinkle, Twinkle invites us to wonder about the stars in the night sky.
- Baa Baa Black Sheep teaches us about sharing and the distribution of resources.
- The ABC Song takes a simple tune and transforms it into a learning tool for the alphabet.
This is why no writer should ever fear the idea that their work might be “too familiar” or “too similar” to something else. The melody is a shared experience, but the story is entirely yours.
Ps. here’s some fun historical facts about nursery rhymes.
The Uniqueness in Repetition
These nursery rhymes and songs have stood the test of time because they resonate with different generations, each hearing them with fresh ears. Writers have the same opportunity. Your story might share a familiar melody (a coming-of-age story, a romance, a battle between good and evil), but the way you tell it, the characters you bring to life, and the unique twist you give it will ensure it’s never just a repeat of someone else’s work.
So next time you find yourself hesitant about your story’s similarity to something else, remember the melody of Twinkle, Twinkle and its powerful siblings. They may share a tune, but they each have their own voice. And that’s where the magic happens.
Aspiring poets, unite! I fancy myself a bit of a linguist and love words and literature. I also adore obscure literary facts, clever authors and fine grammar… along with how new AI tech affects creative fields.
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