This nursery rhyme is a humorous and whimsical short poem about three men from Gotham who embark on an improbable sea voyage using a bowl as their vessel. The rhyme highlights the folly and absurdity of their endeavor, as a bowl is obviously an inadequate and fragile craft for sailing. It playfully concludes by suggesting that if the bowl had been sturdier, the song could have continued, implying that the narrative was cut short due to the impracticality and inevitable failure of their venture. The rhyme uses simple, memorable language and rhythm, making it accessible and entertaining for children and amusing for adults.
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Three wise men of Gotham, They went to sea in a bowl, And if the bowl had been stronger My song would have been longer.