How Many Bridges In London Fall Down?
Plus Songs Related To "London Bridge" From Around The World
Language can be a funny thing. Sometimes you learn more about your own language when you’re working with a different language.
We were adding versions of “Bro, Bro, Brille” to Mama Lisa’s World. It’s a song that’s played like “London Bridge”. Monique, who translates the site to French and Spanish noticed that I wrote “bridge” in the plural. I wrote, “‘Bro, bro, brille’ is a game that’s played like ‘London Bridges.’”
When she mentioned it to me, I instantly realized that the error came from my childhood.
In my infant mind the line was, “London bridges falling down” not the correct line “London Bridge is falling down”. The two phrases sound exactly the same. I mentioned this to my husband Jason, and he said he thought of it the same way as me.
(Interestingly, the version I know is only one variation. Another version starts with “London Bridge is broken down”.)
How did you hear the line as a child?
Please add your thoughts in the comments section here.
You can find different versions of the lyrics of “London Bridge”, along with sheet music, illustrations, and recordings here.
You can find songs from around the world that are related to “London Bridge” here.
Mama Lisa
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