Shocking Meaning Of Row Row Row Your Boat

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Shocking Meaning Of Row Row Row Your Boat

Written by:

Sean Fargo

Updated on:

October 3, 2016

In this article:

In this interesting video, Youtuber Prince EA gives the nursery rhyme Row Row Row Your Boat a different, and possibly shocking, meaning.

Let's break it down right here:

Row, row, row, - You have to keep rowing, you have to keep moving.

YOUR boat - You must row your own boat. It is no one else's but yours. You may neither let others row your boat for you or row other people's boat for them.

Gently down the stream - You must do it gently. Not angrily, anxiously or forcefully. Just go with the flow of life.

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily - You shouldn't do your journey with just seriousness. Smile. You have to enjoy the trip too. Reduce your stress and increase your optimism level.

Life is but a dream - This is just a passing dream, but you must do yourself a favor and wake up to the truth. You are powerful.

About the author

Sean Fargo

Sean Fargo is a mindfulness teacher and founder of Mindfulness Exercises, a global platform offering evidence‑based resources and teacher certification. A former Buddhist monk in the Thai Theravada tradition, he bridges contemplative wisdom with modern psychology to make mindfulness practical at work and in life. Sean has taught alongside Jack Kornfield and supported leaders at organizations such as Reddit, PG&E, and DocuSign. Through online trainings, guided meditations, and mentorship, he has helped thousands of educators, clinicians, and coaches bring mindfulness to diverse communities. Sean’s mission is simple and ambitious: expand access to authentic, science‑informed practice while cultivating compassion, clarity, and resilience. Today, Mindfulness Exercises serves millions with free and premium tools, empowering individuals and teams to lead with presence and purpose.