One Two Three Four Five (Once I Caught a Fish Alive) Lyrics

A classic counting rhyme that helps children learn numbers 1 to 10. The story of catching and releasing a fish makes the counting memorable and fun. Best for ages 2–6. The song moves cleanly from forward counting (1–10) into a simple narrative about consequences (the fish bites because it was caught), giving toddlers both rote sequence and storyline in under a minute. Pair with finger play — wiggle the bitten finger on the last line — to add fine-motor practice. For broader counting skill-building, see [best counting songs for preschoolers](/blog/best-counting-songs-preschoolers) and [educational kid songs: alphabet, counting, colors](/blog/educational-kid-songs-alphabet-counting-colors).

One, two, three, four, five,
Once I caught a fish alive.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
Then I let it go again.

Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so.
Which finger did it bite?
This little finger on my right!