Six Little Ducks
1940s 
USA Lyrics
Fat ones, skinny ones, fair ones too.
But the one little duck with the feather on his back,
He led the others with a "Quack, quack, quack!"
"Quack, quack, quack! Quack, quack, quack!"
He led the others with a "Quack, quack, quack!"
Down to the river they would go,
Wibble wobble, wibble wobble, to and fro.
But the one little duck with the feather on his back,
He led the others with a "Quack, quack, quack!"
"Quack, quack, quack! Quack, quack, quack!"
He led the others with a "Quack, quack, quack!"
Home from the river they would come,
Wibble wobble, wibble wobble, ho, ho, hum.
But the one little duck with the feather on his back,
He led the others with a "Quack, quack, quack!"
"Quack, quack, quack! Quack, quack, quack!"
He led the others with a "Quack, quack, quack!"
History and Meaning
"Six Little Ducks" is a popular children's nursery rhyme whose exact origin is unknown, though it is generally believed to have emerged in the 20th century as a relatively modern addition to the nursery rhyme repertoire. Canadian musician Raffi Cavoukian is credited with popularizing the song, and while the lyrics are often attributed to "Traditional Nursery Rhymes," Raffi himself is listed as a composer and lyricist for a version of the song along with Ken Whiteley. The song's catchy tune, simple lyrics, and endearing narrative about six little ducks who went out one day over the hill and far away, with one little duck with a feather on his back who led the others with his "quack, quack, quack," contributed to its widespread popularity among young children. "Six Little Ducks" has been featured in various children's programs, including "The Backyard Show" and "Barney," further cementing its place in modern children's entertainment. The rhyme's appeal lies in its repetitive structure, animal sounds that children enjoy imitating, and the simple counting element that makes it both educational and entertaining for toddlers and preschoolers learning basic numeracy and following simple narratives.