The Ants Go Marching Lyrics

Rooted in American folk tradition and tracing back to Civil War-era marching songs of the 1860s, this counting song follows ants marching "one by one" through ten, each verse adding a new number and a small rhyming action. It's a strong match for children ages 3 to 6 who are beginning to learn number sequences and enjoy moving while they sing. Early-childhood educators often use marching counting songs like this because pairing physical movement with number recitation helps children internalize counting order more effectively than sitting still and reciting numbers alone. The cumulative structure, where each new verse builds on the last, also strengthens memory and sequencing skills as children try to keep track of what comes next. Because the song naturally invites stomping, marching, or clapping, it doubles as both a math lesson and a gross-motor activity. Many classrooms use it as a transition song between activities. For more on how songs like this build number sense, see [the music and math connection in children](/blog/music-and-math-connection-children).

The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah!
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah!
The ants go marching one by one,
The little one stops to suck his thumb,
And they all go marching down,
To the ground, to get out, of the rain.
Boom, boom, boom, boom!

The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah!
The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah!
The ants go marching two by two,
The little one stops to tie his shoe,
And they all go marching down,
To the ground, to get out, of the rain.
Boom, boom, boom, boom!

The ants go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah!
The ants go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah!
The ants go marching three by three,
The little one stops to climb a tree,
And they all go marching down,
To the ground, to get out, of the rain.
Boom, boom, boom, boom!