I was so smitten by the poetic and playful imagery in this song by The Harmonica Pocket that I simplified, transposed, rearranged, and felted it for storytime. And some time ago the post was lost through a synchronization error. So here it is again.
The full lyrics feature creative and complicated counting systems for the delight of older children, and I encourage you to give it a listen.
I’m Gonna Count
C F
I'm gonna count all the stones on the beach
C G7
Do you want to count the stones with me? (repeat couplet)
C F
1 2 3 - 4 5 6
C G7
7 8 9 - 10 11 12 (repeat couplet)
C F
I'm gonna count all the stones on the beach
C G7 C
Do you want to count the stones with me?
C F
I'm gonna count all the leaves on the trees
C G7
Do you want to count the leaves with me? (repeat couplet)
C F
2 4 6 - 8 10 12
C G7
If you don't sing it with me, gonna sing it myself (repeat couplet)
C F
I'm gonna count all the leaves on the trees
C G7 C
Do you want to count the leaves with me?
C F
I'm gonna count all the stars in the sky
C G7
I never counted up that high (repeat couplet)
C F
10 20 30 40 50
C G7
60 70 80 90 (repeat couplet)
C F C G7
One hundred stars up high in the sky
C F C G7 C
One hundred stars up high in the sky
So glad this one is back! I’ve really enjoyed playing and singing “I’m Gonna Count” with various groups.
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I’m so glad to hear that! I really love this one. I wasn’t sure if anyone else would have noticed it had vanished, and it’s good to know it’s been used beyond my own storytimes.
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I was brought to your blog today and I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy! Last summer I decided to learn how to play the ukulele. I love playing it while my students sing and dance! THANK YOU for sharing so much on here! I feel like I hit the jackpot!
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