“Five Little Ducks” is one of the most popular nursery rhymes for young children. Teachers use it in classrooms to teach counting. Parents sing it during playtime and bedtime.
The rhyme has been around for generations, but modern performers made it famous worldwide. Artists like Raffi, The Wiggles, and Super Simple Songs have recorded their own versions.
Cocomelon and Mother Goose Club also feature it in their videos. Many people search for the five little ducks lyrics because different recordings use slightly different words.
About the Song
“Five Little Ducks” is a counting song that teaches children numbers through a simple story. Five baby ducks leave their mother one by one, then all return home at the end.
Musicians like Raffi and The Wiggles recorded popular versions that kids love. Today, you’ll find it in daycare centers, YouTube videos, and bedtime playlists.
The repetitive melody and hand motions make learning numbers fun and easy.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Five Little Ducks |
| Performer/Singer | Raffi |
| Release Year | 1980s (commonly included in later re-releases) |
| Album | Rise and Shine |
| Writer | Traditional (Public Domain) |
| Producer | Raffi & Ken Whiteley |
| Genre | Children’s Music / Nursery Rhyme |
| Notable Feature | Counting backward, mother-and-child theme |
Each recording may vary slightly in style, tempo, or arrangement, but the heart of the rhyme remains the same.
Five Little Ducks Lyrics (Full Version)
Below are the full traditional five little ducks lyrics that most people recognize. These are the same lyrics sung in preschool classrooms and popular children’s videos.
Verse 1
Five little ducks went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But only four little ducks came back.
Verse 2
Four little ducks went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But only three little ducks came back.
Verse 3
Three little ducks went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But only two little ducks came back.
Verse 4
Two little ducks went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack.”
But only one little duck came back.
Verse 5
One little duck went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But none of thе five little ducks came back
Verse 6
Sad mother duck went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
And all five little ducks came back.
Verse 7
Five little ducks went out to play
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
And all the five little ducks came back.
Songs Similar to “Five Little Ducks”
If your child loves “Five Little Ducks,” there are plenty of other counting and animal rhymes they’ll enjoy. Here are some popular options that share similar themes and learning benefits.
- Five Little Monkeys– Another counting rhyme where monkeys disappear one by one, teaching subtraction through storytelling.
- Ten in the Bed – A bedtime song about counting down from ten as friends roll out of bed.
- Old MacDonald Had a Farm – Features different farm animals with sounds, helping kids learn about nature and repetition.
- The Wheels on the Bus – A repetitive action song with movements that keep toddlers engaged and active.
- Mary Had a Little Lamb – A gentle rhyme about a girl and her lamb, perfect for young listeners who love animal stories.
Artists Similar to the Performers of “Five Little Ducks”
If you enjoy the version of “Five Little Ducks” you know, these artists create similar children’s music. They all focus on early learning, fun melodies, and songs that kids can sing along with easily.
- The Wiggles
Genre: Children’s Entertainment / Pop
Top Albums: Wiggly Safari, Yummy Yummy, Hot Potatoes - Super Simple Songs
Genre: Educational Children’s Music
Top Albums: Super Simple Songs volumes, Kids Songs collection - Cocomelon
Genre: Digital Children’s Music / Animation
Top Albums: Cocomelon Kids Hits, Nursery Rhymes by Cocomelon - Mother Goose Club
Genre: Traditional Nursery Rhymes
Top Albums: Mother Goose Club Sings Nursery Rhymes, Wheels on the Bus
To Sum It Up
Now you have the complete five little ducks lyrics and everything you need to know about this classic rhyme. The song teaches counting, rhythm, and patience through a simple story kids love.
Whether you’re singing Raffi’s version or watching it on YouTube, the message stays the same. Ducks leave, but they always come back. That’s comforting for little ones learning about the world.
Want more nursery rhymes like this one? Check out our collection of counting songs and animal rhymes. Share your favorite version of the ” 5 Little Ducks lyrics in the comments below.
Happy singing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Hand Motions Go With Five Little Ducks?
Hold up five fingers and wiggle them like swimming ducks, then lower one finger with each verse until none remain.
What Do Children Learn From 5 Little Ducks?
Children learn backward counting, number recognition, animal sounds, listening skills, and the comforting idea that family members return home.
What Age Is the 5 Little Ducks App Appropriate For?
The song works best for toddlers and preschoolers aged 1 to 5 years old.
What Is The Rhyme For Five Little Ducks?
The rhyme follows ducks leaving their mother one by one over the hills, then all returning when she calls with a loud quack.
