How Many Miles to Babylon?

Historical Conjectures - What Does It Mean?

The rhyme probably dates from Tutor times, but many scholars of nursery rhymes point to sayings such as “Can I get there by candle-light?” and “as far as a farthing candle would take him,” common in Elizabethan times, as literal meanings. In later periods Babylon has been interpreted in at least two very different ways. The first is the everyday meaning in which Babylon is presumed to refer to “Babyland” which also is equated with “Sleepyland,” making this a kind of going-to-sleep rhyme, albeit without the gentle rhymic qualities of a lullaby. The more exotic version translates Babylon to Babylonia or, by extension, any faraway or wondrous place, real or imaginary. These ancient worlds often fell into this category in the eyes of illustrators. It is this second interpretation that has more boisterous connections to a game.