Itsy Bitsy Spider
Nursery rhyme
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Key Takeaways
- It is usually accompanied by a sequence of gestures that mimic the words of the song.
- Lyrics A commonly used version uses these words and gestures: Other versions exist.
- The song is sung by and for children in countless languages and cultures.
"The Itsy Bitsy Spider" (also known as "The Incey Wincey Spider" in Australia or "Incy Wincy Spider" in the United Kingdom, and other anglophone countries) is a popular nursery rhyme, folksong, and fingerplay that describes the adventures of a spider as it ascends, descends, and re-ascends the downspout or "waterspout" of a gutter system or open-air reservoir. It is usually accompanied by a sequence of gestures that mimic the words of the song. Its Roud Folk Song Index number is 11586.
Lyrics
A commonly used version uses these words and gestures:
Other versions exist.
Origin
While the exact origin for the song "Itsy Bitsy Spider" is unknown, a version reported in 1912 to have been heard at a college commencement resembles the common modern version:
The song can also be found in publications such as Arthur Walbridge North's book Camp and Camino in Lower California (1910), where it is referred to as [the classic] "Spider Song". One of the song's several modern versions eventually appeared in Western Folklore, by the California Folklore Society (1948), Mike and Peggy Seeger's, American Folk Songs for Children (1948).
The song is sung by and for children in countless languages and cultures. It is similar to the melodies of the children's songs "Sweetly Sings the Donkey" in the United States, and "Auf der Mauer, auf der Lauer", "Ich bin ein kleiner Esel" (the German-language version of "Sweetly Sings the Donkey") and "Spannenlanger Hansel" in German-speaking countries.
Score
Source
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