Pop Goes the Weasel

Some of you may remember the children's song, "Pop Goes the Weasel." As with many nursery rhymes, it began in England as an oral tradition and was handed down through the years. It's origins are so old they can't be traced. As time went on, many verses were added and there were different versions. One version was published in 1855. Dances and games also evolved from the song. The rhyme crossed the Atlantic to America, and the American versions differed even more. 

There's many theories on what the song means. Some think the chorus, which includes "pop goes the weasel" came from the spinning clock reel, which is also known as a weasel, and this is the explanation I like best. A weasel winds up the yarn that comes from the spinning wheel. When the set amount of yarn is wound on the weasel  (usually a skein), the device pops to let the spinner know. Listen to a part of the song and see what you think.

"A penny for a spool of thread.
A penny for a needle.
That's the way the money goes.
Pop, goes the weasel."

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