In Episode 10 of The Absurdists, Marlo Anderson and Mary Murphy take listeners on a journey into the absurdity of beloved childhood nursery rhymes. But this time, they’re not just recalling the catchy tunes from our youth—they’re digging deep into the surprisingly dark and twisted origins of these innocent-sounding jingles.

Exploring the Dark Side of Nursery Rhymes

From Humpty Dumpty’s tragic fall to the grim reality behind “Ring Around the Rosie,” nursery rhymes have far more sinister histories than their playful melodies suggest. Marlo and Mary explore how these stories, often passed down through generations, hold dark tales about royalty, plague, and even unwanted pregnancies. Yes, you read that right—an unexpected twist to the cheery rhymes we’ve been singing for ages.

Humpty Dumpty’s Hidden Meaning

Starting off with Humpty Dumpty, Marlo and Mary don’t just stop at the iconic line of the great fall. The hosts peel back the layers of the rhyme and reveal its deep ties to royal history and a dark political metaphor about King Richard III. This perspective is not only eye-opening but also a little chilling when considering how we sing it so casually to children.

Jack and Jill’s Grief-Stricken End

The hosts then move on to Jack and Jill, a seemingly harmless rhyme about fetching a pail of water. But beneath the surface, it hides a tragic tale of an unwanted pregnancy and a fatal fall. With their trademark absurdist humor, Marlo and Mary breathe new life into the rhyme, making listeners question everything they thought they knew about this famous duo.

The Absurdity of “Ring Around the Rosie”

Possibly one of the most well-known nursery rhymes, “Ring Around the Rosie” is filled with coded references to the Black Plague. In this episode, the hosts break down the rhyme, explaining how its cheery exterior masks a grim reality of death, ashes, and survival during one of Europe’s darkest times.

A New Take on Mother Goose

Marlo and Mary finish off the episode with some fun musings about reimagining these rhymes through an absurdist lens. Could they create their own modern-day versions of Mother Goose? They certainly think so, leaving listeners wondering what bizarre nursery rhymes the duo could come up with next.

What’s Next?

As always, Marlo and Mary leave listeners in suspense for next week’s episode, promising more absurdity and laughter. If nursery rhymes weren’t enough to blow your mind, stay tuned for even more deep dives into the most ridiculous and strange topics only The Absurdists can deliver.

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