Songs That Reference Nursery Rhymes

Some of the first songs we’re ever exposed to in our lives are nursery rhymes. The simple rhymes and melodies of Mother Goose become the first taste of music during our childhood. We never forget these songs.

The biggest musicians in the world were children once too! Today we find nursery rhymes and lullabies throughout popular music.

We’ve collected a few examples below, including:

• Lucky Star by Madonna references the nursery rhyme Star Light, Star Bright.
• In American Pie, Don McLean sings some of Jack Be Nimble.
• You’ll hear Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in Nicki Minaj’s Starships.
• Taylor Swift quotes Humpty Dumpty in The Archer.
• The Clean Bandit song Rockabye alludes to the lullaby Rock-a-bye Baby.
• Eminem’s Mockingbird uses the nursery rhyme of the same name.
• Kacey Musgraves plays with both Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary and Jack and Jill in her song Merry Go ‘Round.

… and many more!

Pop Songs Referencing Nursery Rhymes

Spotify Playlist:

This site is dedicated to playlist themes! Have we missed a song that should be included in this playlist? Comment below to share it!