Three Little Fishes is a popular children’s song that originated in the United States.
It was written by Josephine Carringer and Bernice Idins. Saxie Dowell provided the music in 1939 making it a hit song in 1939-1940. The song tells the story of three little fish and their escapades.
The three little fishies also encounter a big bad shark in some versions of the song, adding a bit of excitement and drama to the story.
The tune is catchy and the repetitive nature of the lyrics makes it easy for young children to sing along and remember.
Over the years, it has remained a beloved classic in the repertoire of children’s songs and nursery rhymes.
Lyrics for Three Little Fishes
Down in the meadow in a little bitty pool
Swam three little fishies and a mama fish too
“Swim” said the mama fish, “Swim if you can”
And they swam and they swam clean over the dam
Boop boop dittum dattum whattum, choo!
Boop boop dittum dattum whattum choo!
Boop boop dittum datum whattum choo!
And they swam and they swam clean over the dam
“Stop” said the mama fish, “or you will get lost”
The three little fishies didn’t wanna be bossed
The three little fishies went off on a spree
And they swam and they swam right out to the sea
Boop boop dittum dattum whattum, choo!
Boop boop dittum dattum whattum choo!
Boop boop dittum datum whattum choo!
And they swam and they swam right out to the sea
“Whee!” yelled the little fishies, “Here’s a lot of fun
We’ll swim in the sea till the day is done”
They swam and they swam, and it was a lark
Till the little fishes saw a shark!
Boop boop dittum dattum whattum, choo!
Boop boop dittum dattum whattum choo!
Boop boop dittum datum whattum choo!
Till all of a sudden they saw a shark!
“Help!” cried the little fishies, “Gee! look at all the whales!”
And quick as they could, they turned on their tails
And back to the pool in the meadow they swam
And they swam and they swam over the dam
Boop boop dittum dattum whattum choo!
Boop boop dittum dattum whattum choo!
Boop boop dittum dattum whattum choo!
And they swam and they swam back over the dam.