Lyrics
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!
#Apple Tree 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
- Last updated
- 25 July 2026
How to sing it
- Reach both hands "way up high" to show the apples in the tree.
- Pretend to grab the trunk and shake it as hard as you can.
- Let the apples tumble down with your hands, then rub your tummy on "Mmmm, they were good!"
Meaning and origin
This is one of those tiny action rhymes that is really a set of movements with a few words attached. Two apples smile down from high in the tree; the child reaches up, grabs the trunk, and shakes it as hard as they can; down tumble the apples; and the whole thing ends with a contented tummy-rub — Mmmm, they were good! In five lines it packs a reach, a shake, a fall and a taste.
It has no known author — it is a traditional preschool rhyme, handed down in nurseries with small changes here and there. Its appeal is entirely practical: it gives a very young child a clear little sequence to act out, a burst of vigorous shaking in the middle, and a happy ending, all of which make it a natural favourite for circle time and for any moment that needs a wiggle.
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.
