One, Two, Three, Four, Five (Once I Caught a Fish Alive) is a traditional English counting nursery rhyme used to teach young children numbers through rhythm and repetition.
“One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Once I Caught a Fish Alive” is a traditional nursery rhyme that originates from England and dates back to at least the 19th century. Like many classic British rhymes, it was passed down orally before appearing in printed collections of children’s verse. Its simple structure, repetitive phrasing, and playful story have helped it remain popular for generations.
The rhyme is especially valued as an early counting song, helping children practice numbers from one to ten in a natural, musical way. Because it combines rhythm, storytelling, and a physical element (often using fingers to count), it is widely used in homes, preschools, and early childhood classrooms to support number recognition and memorization.
Here you can watch the karaoke version and download the MP3 backing track for personal or educational use. You’ll also find free printable sheet music, perfect for helping a child or beginner play the song on the piano or any other instrument.
Table of Contents
- One, Two, Three, Four, Five (Once I Caught a Fish Alive) karaoke Video
- Lyrics
- More Children’s songs in English
- One, Two, Three, Four, Five (Once I Caught a Fish Alive) karaoke (Free mp3 download)
- One, Two, Three, Four, Five (Once I Caught a Fish Alive) Song Info
One, Two, Three, Four, Five (Once I Caught a Fish Alive) karaoke Video
Lyrics
Contemporary lyrics
1. One, two, three, four, five,
Once I caught a fish alive.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
Then I let it go again.
2. Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so.
Which finger did it bite?
This little finger on the right.
3. One, two, three, four, five,
Once I caught a crab alive.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
Then I let it go again.
4. Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so.
Which finger did it bite?
This little finger on the right.
5. One, two, three, four, five,
Once I caught an eel alive.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
Then I let it go again.
6. Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so.
Which finger did it bite?
This little finger on the right.
This little finger on the right.
Traditional lyrics
1. One, two, three, four, five,
Once I caught a fish alive.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
Then I let it go again.
2. Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so.
Which finger did it bite?
This little finger on the right.
More Children’s songs in English
One, Two, Three, Four, Five (Once I Caught a Fish Alive) karaoke
(Free mp3 download)
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INFO
One, Two, Three, Four, Five (Once I Caught a Fish Alive)
Song Info
Title: One, Two, Three, Four, Five (Once I Caught a Fish Alive)
Type: Traditional nursery rhyme / counting rhyme
Origin: England
Date: First recorded in the 19th century (appears in late 1800s printed nursery rhyme collections)
Roud Folk Song Index Number: 13530
Theme: Counting; playful narrative involving catching and releasing a fish
The rhyme was collected in the 19th century during a period when many traditional English nursery rhymes were being documented in print. Like most nursery rhymes of its era, it existed in oral tradition before publication and may have circulated for many years prior to being recorded.
It is considered part of the traditional English nursery rhyme canon and is now firmly in the public domain. Variations exist, but the standard version refers simply to catching “a fish,” without specifying a particular species.
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