"Ten Little Indians" is an American children's rhyme. It has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 13512. The word Indian usually refers to Native Americans.
Because this song, and even the original term Indians, have become politically sensitive, modern versions for children often use "soldier boys" or "teddy bears" as the objects of the rhyme.
"Ten Little Indians" Lyrics
The modern lyrics are:
One little, two little, three little Indians
Four little, five little, six little Indians
Seven little, eight little, nine little Indians
Ten little Indian boys.
Ten little, nine little, eight little Indians
Seven little, six little, five little Indians
Four little, three little, two little Indians
One little Indian boy.
"Ten Little Indians" Chords
C One little, two little, three little Indians G Four little, five little, six little Indians C Seven little, eight little, nine little Indians G Ten little Indian boys. C Ten little, nine little, eight little Indians G Seven little, six little, five little Indians C Four little, three little, two little Indians G One little Indian boy.
"Ten Little Indians" Origins
The likely original piece, then called "Ten Little Injuns", was written by songwriter Septimus Winner in 1868 for a minstrel show and was much more elaborate:
Ten little Injuns standin' in a line,
One toddled home and then there were nine;
Nine little Injuns swingin' on a gate,
One tumbled off and then there were eight.
Eight little Injuns gayest under heav'n.
One went to sleep and then there were seven;
Seven little Injuns cuttin' up their tricks,
One broke his neck and then there were six.
Six little Injuns all alive,
One kicked the bucket and then there were five;
Five little Injuns on a cellar door,
One tumbled in and then there were four.
Four little Injuns up on a spree,
One got fuddled and then there were three;
Three little Injuns out on a canoe,
One tumbled overboard and then there were two
Two little Injuns foolin' with a gun,
One shot t'other and then there was one;
One little Injun livin' all alone,
He got married and then there were none.
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