What Are Little Boys Made Of? Is a nursery rhyme that dates back to the early 19th century. However, the version that many people know today is just a snippet of the full poem which was titled, “What Folks Are Made Of”, sometimes referred to as “What All the World Is Made Of”. It is widely believed to be written by acclaimed poet Robert Southey (1744-1843), even though there’s no published claim to authorship.
The full version doesn’t just ponder on what boys and girls are made of, but many people including babies, sailors, young men, young women, old men, old women, soldiers, nurses, mothers, and fathers. The conclusion of all the verses is “loving a lot”.
There is some confusion surrounding the meaning of ‘snips and snails’ in the original version but more modern takes often swap these out for frogs, snakes, or other creatures that children would recognize and understand.
What Are Little Boys Made Of? Lyrics
What are little boys made of?
What are little boys made of?
Snips and snails
And puppy-dogs’ tails,
That’s what little boys are made of.
What are little girls made of?
What are little girls made of?
Sugar and spice
And everything nice,
That’s what little girls are made of.
What Are Little Boys Made Of? Music Sheet
