# Apple Tree

"Way Up High in the Apple Tree" is a short English action rhyme for young children: two apples smile down from a tree, the child shakes the tree hard, and down the apples come — delicious.

## At a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Sung in | English |
| Words by | Traditional |
| First known | traditional action rhyme; author unknown |
| Best for ages | 2–7 |
| Mood | playful, traditional |
| Page | https://littlesongbook.com/songs/apple-tree/ |

## Lyrics

### Verse 1 (en)

Way up high in the apple tree,
Two little apples smiled at me.
I shook that tree as hard as I could,
Down came the apples,
Mmmm, they were good!

## How to sing it

1. Reach both hands "way up high" to show the apples in the tree.
2. Pretend to grab the trunk and shake it as hard as you can.
3. Let the apples tumble down with your hands, then rub your tummy on "Mmmm, they were good!"

## Common questions

**What is "Apple Tree" about?**

Picking apples. Two apples smile down from high in the tree; the child shakes the tree as hard as they can, the apples come tumbling down, and they taste delicious. It is a tiny action rhyme, acted out with reaching, shaking and a happy tummy-rub.

**What is "Apple Tree" good for?**

Simple actions and a little suspense. Reaching up, shaking, and catching the falling apples gives toddlers movements to copy, and the "Mmmm, they were good!" ending gives a satisfying finish.

**Who wrote "Apple Tree"?**

No author is recorded. It is a traditional preschool action rhyme, passed on in playgroups and nurseries with small variations.

## Sources

- [Scottish Book Trust — Way Up High in the Apple Tree](https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/songs-and-rhymes/way-up-high-in-the-apple-tree)