Five Currant Buns is a popular nursery rhyme and counting song for young children. It is often sung or recited to teach children basic numeracy skills. The rhyme involves the repetition of a simple verse as the number of currant buns decreases with each verse.
The rhyme combines simple counting with a playful narrative, engaging children in a fun and interactive way. It helps them practice counting backward from five to one and introduces the concept of subtraction lightheartedly.
The repetitive structure of the rhyme and the inclusion of a catchy refrain make it easy for children to learn and join in the singing or recitation. It is often accompanied by gestures or actions, such as pretending to take a currant bun and eating it, which further enhance the interactive nature of the rhyme.
This rhyme has the same tune as Five Little Ducks Went Out One Day which you can listen to and read about here!
Lyrics for Five Currant Buns
Five currant buns in a baker’s shop.
Big and round with a cherry on the top,
Along came a boy with a penny one day,
Bought a currant bun and took it away.
Four currant buns in a baker’s shop.
Big and round with a cherry on the top,
Along came a girl with a penny one day,
Bought a currant bun and took it away.
Three currant buns in a baker’s shop.
Big and round with a cherry on the top,
Along came a boy with a penny one day,
Bought a currant bun and took it away.
Two currant buns in a baker’s shop.
Big and round with a cherry on the top,
Along came a girl with a penny one day,
Bought a currant bun and took it away.
One currant bun in a baker’s shop.
Big and round with a cherry on the top,
Along came a boy with a penny one day,
Bought the currant bun and took it away.
