If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. — William Edward Hickson

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If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. — William Edward Hickson · Smartyfair

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

William Edward Hickson1803–1870 · educator · 1800s EnglandWilliam Edward Hickson was an English educator who campaigned to make singing lessons part of every child's schooling, earning him the nickname "the father of English school music." He is best remembered for popularizing the encouraging rhyme "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." He also edited an influential journal and wrote about improving schools for ordinary children.1 quote

In plain words

If something doesn't work, keep trying.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Written by William Edward Hickson: 'Perseverance, or Try Again,' The Singing Master (1836) — the tune book itself prints 'The words by W. E. Hickson.' Refrain adapted by Thomas H. Palmer, The Teacher's Manual (Boston, 1840). Long circulated as an anonymous proverb.
Work: The Singing Master — 'Perseverance, or Try Again'
Occasion: 1836 · a moral song written for schoolchildren to sing
Sources checked: en.wikipedia.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026Hickson's 1836 original rhyme; Palmer's 1840 US adaptation

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It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

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Source foundPerseverance1800s

archive.org

Checked using claude-fable-5, 21 August 2026

The Singing Master No. 1 (First Class Tune Book), 1838 printing, song No. 4 'Perseverance, or Try Again', credited 'The words by W. E. Hickson' — contains ''Tis a lesson you should heed... If, at first, you don't succeed' with the try-again refrain (sung chorus repeats 'Try, try, try again')

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