Nursery rhyme lyrics
Itsy Bitsy Spider Lyrics
The words to Itsy Bitsy Spider, with simple actions to do together and a little history for curious grown-ups.
Itsy Bitsy Spider full lyrics
The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout.
Down came the rain and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain,
And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.
Traditional, public domain. Many families sing slightly different versions.
Actions to do together
- Climb your fingers upwards by touching thumb to opposite finger.
- Wiggle your fingers down like rain and sweep them out.
- Make a big circle above your head for the sun.
What your child learns
- Fine motor skills and finger coordination
- Weather words: rain, sun
- Resilience: the spider keeps trying
Where does Itsy Bitsy Spider come from?
Itsy Bitsy Spider is a traditional fingerplay song, known in some places as Incy Wincy Spider. Versions of it appeared in print in the early 20th century.
Questions parents ask
Is it Itsy Bitsy or Incy Wincy?
Both. Itsy Bitsy Spider is common in North America, while Incy Wincy Spider is common in the UK and Australia.
How do you do the spider actions?
Touch the thumb of one hand to the index finger of the other and swap them over and over, so your fingers seem to climb.
