Lyrics
London Bridge is falling down
London Bridge is collapsing or deteriorating.
Falling down, falling down
Reiteration of the deterioration of London Bridge.
London Bridge is falling down
Restating the fact that London Bridge is collapsing.
My fair lady
Addressing a woman with whom the speaker has a close connection or affection.
Build it up with wood and clay
Suggesting to repair the bridge using basic materials like wood and clay.
Wood and clay, wood and clay
Repeating the suggestion to use wood and clay for the bridge's reconstruction.
Build it up with wood and clay
Continuing the advice to rebuild the bridge using wood and clay.
My fair lady
Referring again to the addressed woman.
Wood and clay will wash away
Stating that the bridge rebuilt with wood and clay will eventually erode or be destroyed by water.
Wash away, wash away
Reaffirming that the wood and clay used in construction will be washed away.
Wood and clay will wash away
Reiteration of the idea that the wood and clay won't withstand the forces of nature.
My fair lady
Addressing the woman once more.
London Bridge is falling down
Repeating the statement that London Bridge is collapsing.
Falling down, falling down
Reiteration of the fact that London Bridge is deteriorating.
London Bridge is falling down
Reiterating the condition of London Bridge's decay.
My fair lady
Referencing the woman again.
Build it up with iron and steel
Suggesting an alternative method to reconstruct the bridge using stronger materials such as iron and steel.
Iron and steel, iron and steel
Reiterating the suggestion to use iron and steel for rebuilding.
Build it up with iron and steel
Continuing the advice to rebuild the bridge using iron and steel.
My fair lady
Addressing the woman again.
Iron and steel will bend and bow
Asserting that even iron and steel, while strong, will eventually succumb to pressure and bend.
Bend and bow, bend and bow
Reiterating the idea that iron and steel will deform under stress.
Iron and steel will bend and bow
Continuing the assertion that iron and steel will yield under external forces.
My fair lady
Addressing the woman for the final time.
London Bridge is falling down
Repeating the statement that London Bridge is falling apart.
Falling down, falling down
Reiteration of the deterioration of London Bridge.
London Bridge is falling down
Reaffirming the condition of London Bridge's collapse.
My fair lady
Final address to the woman, concluding the song.
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