12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive is a counting nursery rhyme perfect for teaching children how to rhyme and sing about new things. The song subtly teaches children to count from one to ten while singing a catchy tune.
Let’s look at the song’s history and the other lesson it can teach children and adults.
LYRICS
The song comprises two verses, each with four lines. The two verses are sung in repeat.
Lyrics for 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive as Sung Today
One, Two, Three, Four, Five,
Once I caught a fish alive,
Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten,
Then I let him go again.
Why did you let it go?
Because he bit my finger so.
Which finger did he bite?
This little finger on my right.
Full Original Lyrics for 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive
The original version doesn’t have a fish but mentions a hare. It also doesn’t mention any biting, like the modern version.
One, two, three, Four, and five.
I caught a hare alive;
Six, seven, eight, Nine, and ten.
I let him go again
THE HISTORY BEHIND 12345 ONCE I CAUGHT A FISH ALIVE
Who Wrote 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive Nursery Rhyme?
Like most nursery rhymes, the writer of this famous song is unknown. The song was first included in a Mother Goose’s Melody edition of 1765. Mother Goose’s Melody is a collection of nursery rhymes throughout history.
The song isn’t as we know it today in the book, nor does it mention the author. It says nothing about a fish or the fish biting someone’s fingers. Instead, it speaks about someone catching a hare alive and then letting the hare go.
American Henry Bolton, in the 1880s, made three variations of this original that gave rise to the modern version.
The song’s history is relatively obscure, which isn’t surprising. Most nursery rhymes have somewhat opaque histories, with little known about them.
Sadly, we also have to accept all that about the Once I Caught a Fish Alive song. But if we can enjoy it as we do today, then there’s no need to worry about its unknown history, right?
WHAT DO THE WORDS IN 12345 ONCE I CAUGHT A FISH ALIVE MEAN? DEFINITIONS
What Does the Nursery Rhyme 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive Mean?
The nursery rhyme has no deeper meaning beyond the literal words.
Therefore, you can take whatever the song says at face value. You don’t have to wrack your brain wondering what the song could mean.
It is possible the author wanted to entertain children by singing about a hare that escaped. No one knows how the song’s main protagonist became a fish.
What is a Fish?
A fish is a water-living animal with scales and gills for breathing. It is a favorite delicacy for many people, with catching fish is considered a pastime.
What’s a Finger?
Fingers are the extremities or slender parts at the end of a person’s hands. People have four fingers and a thumb on each hand. A finger is just one.
Fingers are used to count, so their use in this song could be to keep up with the counting nature of the song.
What’s The Little Finger in the Song?
The little finger is your fourth and smallest finger also known as the pinky.
Some versions of the song replace the word finger with pinky.
So in – Because he bit my finger so.
The word so can be used in many different ways. As an adverb, a conjunction, a pronoun, an interjection, or an adjective.
In the rhyme, it is being used as an adverb to describe where the fish bit the finger.
INTERESTING FACTS & QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Do Fish Really Bite Like in The Song?
Yes, it’s true some fish can bite and some can cause injury. But most try to avoid you in the water.
If a fish does bite you with its teeth especially, you should immediately seek medical attention. You’ll also need to identify the fish to ensure the bite doesn’t cause any health concerns.
In the song, of course, the fish biting someone is only pretend; there’s no need to panic and run to a medical center.
What Inspired the Rhyme 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive?
It is possible a hunt could have been the inspiration behind the song. The original song talks of someone catching a hare and letting it go.
The modern version that includes the fish could have been because of a fishing trip. However, all this is only conjecture since we don’t know the original writer to understand what inspired them.
That shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the song, though.
Can 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive Be Classified as an Action Rhyme?
Although essentially a counting song, it still has activities that make it an action rhyme.
The Hand Actions for 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive:
Here is how you can sing Once I Caught A fish as an action rhyme.
One, Two, Three, Four, Five,
(Count out the numbers on your fingers)
Once I caught a fish alive,
(Use hands to signal fishing)
Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten,
Then I let him go again.
(Signal to throw back something)
Why did you let it go?
(Raise hands to show question)
Because he bit my finger so.
(Make a face as if in pain while shaking your hand)
Which finger did he bite?
This little finger on my right.
(Point to finger and make faces as if in pain)
The song has various actions you can use to teach kids different actions.
Is 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive the Most Famous Counting Song?
There are many nursery rhymes we can call counting songs. Once I Caught a Fish Alive is one of the most famous of these counting songs.
However, it’s impossible to tell if it’s the most famous. The thing with nursery rhymes is that their popularity isn’t always uniform.
A rhyme could be famous in one country but relatively unknown in another.
Is 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive in the Public Domain?
Yes, 12345 I Caught a Fish Alive is in the public domain. That means you can use it in your work. Songs copyrighted before 1925 are usually in the public domain.
(Disclaimer: This is a general–not a legally confirmed fact, and you need to do more research into the laws in your jurisdiction/country to ensure you have the right to use this song)
12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive was first published in the 1760s, which makes it a public domain song.
However, other people’s versions of the song are not in the public domain. What’s in the public domain is the tune and spine of the song.
For example, if you made a version of this song without a completely different tune and new lines, I can’t use your versions without your permission.
It is best to confirm with local authorities regarding copyright rules before using any song version in your work.
How do You Sing 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive in Sign Language?
You can sing the song in sign language. I found a resource on YouTube that can help you with that.
12345 ONCE I CAUGHT A FISH ALIVE INSPIRED LESSON PLANS
The following is a selection of Lesson Plans based on the 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive Nursery rhyme. You need to click on the images to go to the websites to learn more and download the resources.
SHEET MUSIC FOR 12345 ONCE I CAUGHT A FISH ALIVE
What is the Time Signature of 12345 I Caught a Fish Alive?
12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive is played in a 4/4-time signature.
HOW TO PLAY 12345 ONCE I CAUGHT A FISH ALIVE ON AN INSTRUMENT
You can play 12345 I Caught a Fish Alive on an instrument with any of the below YouTube resources.
