Lucy Locket

"Lucy Locket" is an English nursery rhyme first recorded in 1842, though evidence suggests it circulated orally in Britain and America as early as the 18th century.

The Rhyme

"Lucy Locket lost her pocket, Kitty Fisher found it; Not a penny was there in it, Only ribbon round it."

What is a "Pocket"?

In the context of this rhyme, a "pocket" refers to a detachable pouch that women wore around their waist from the 17th to 19th centuries. Unlike modern pockets sewn into clothing, these were separate items accessed through an opening in the skirt. They held personal items, money, and valuables.

Kitty Fisher: A Real Person

Kitty Fisher, mentioned in the rhyme, was a real historical figure. Catherine Maria Fisher (1741–1767) was a renowned English courtesan celebrated for her beauty, extravagance, and carefully cultivated public image. She became a prominent celebrity of her era and was even painted by the famous artist Sir Joshua Reynolds.

Her fame was significant enough that her name lived on in this nursery rhyme long after her death.

Historical Interpretations

Several theories connect the rhyme to the lives of courtesans:

• Rivalry between courtesans: Some scholars suggest the rhyme alludes to a rivalry between two 18th-century prostitutes
• Charles II era: James Orchard Halliwell, who recorded the rhyme, speculated that both Lucy and Kitty were "celebrated courtesans of the time of Charles II"
• The Beggar's Opera connection: "Lucy Locket" may reference "Lucy Lockit," a character in John Gay's 1728 satirical play

Symbolic Meaning

One theory suggests the "pocket" symbolizes a wealthy lover:

• If Lucy "lost" her wealthy lover...
• Kitty "found" him (took him for herself)
• The "ribbon" with no penny represents the transaction of affection for money

This interpretation implies the rhyme preserved risqué elements from adult folk culture before being adapted for children.

A Shared Melody

Interestingly, the tune associated with "Lucy Locket" is the same melody used for "Yankee Doodle," suggesting the tune traveled between different songs in the folk tradition.

From Adult Satire to Children's Verse

Like many nursery rhymes, "Lucy Locket" likely began as adult social commentary before being softened for children's ears. Today, children sing it without any awareness of its potentially scandalous origins.