One Two Buckle My Shoe Lyrics

A traditional counting rhyme first published around 1805. Each pair of numbers is paired with a simple action, making it easy and fun to learn to count. Best for ages 3–7. Unlike most counting songs that just recite numbers, this rhyme pairs each number with a concrete physical action — buckling, knocking, picking up sticks — which gives the count an embodied meaning. Children who learn this rhyme often spontaneously act it out, turning counting into a movement game. Excellent for transitions or as a warm-up to a math activity. For more counting songs and games, see [best counting songs for preschoolers](/blog/best-counting-songs-preschoolers).

One, two, buckle my shoe,
Three, four, knock at the door,
Five, six, pick up sticks,
Seven, eight, lay them straight,
Nine, ten, a big fat hen!

Eleven, twelve, dig and delve,
Thirteen, fourteen, maids a-courting,
Fifteen, sixteen, maids in the kitchen,
Seventeen, eighteen, maids in waiting,
Nineteen, twenty, my plate's empty!