# Ten in the Bed

“Ten in the Bed” is an English-language countdown song of uncertain origin in which one sleeper tumbles out during every repeated verse.

## At a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Unknown |
| Sung in | English |
| Words by | Traditional |
| First known | Published by 1964; earlier origin not established |
| Best for ages | 2–6 |
| Mood | counting, playful, educational |
| Page | https://littlesongbook.com/songs/ten-in-the-bed/ |

## Lyrics

### Full countdown expanded from the repeating stanza (en)

Ten in the bed and the little one said,
“Roll over! Roll over!”
So they all rolled over and one fell out.

Nine in the bed and the little one said,
“Roll over! Roll over!”
So they all rolled over and one fell out.

Eight in the bed and the little one said,
“Roll over! Roll over!”
So they all rolled over and one fell out.

Seven in the bed and the little one said,
“Roll over! Roll over!”
So they all rolled over and one fell out.

Six in the bed and the little one said,
“Roll over! Roll over!”
So they all rolled over and one fell out.

Five in the bed and the little one said,
“Roll over! Roll over!”
So they all rolled over and one fell out.

Four in the bed and the little one said,
“Roll over! Roll over!”
So they all rolled over and one fell out.

Three in the bed and the little one said,
“Roll over! Roll over!”
So they all rolled over and one fell out.

Two in the bed and the little one said,
“Roll over! Roll over!”
So they all rolled over and one fell out.

One in the bed and the little one said,
“Good night!”

## How to sing it

1. Begin slowly so everyone can hear the repeated words and the action cue.
2. Show the sleepers with ten fingers or safe toys, move one aside after every “roll over,” and finish quietly on “Good night.”
3. Repeat the song once and invite a different child to lead the cues.

## Common questions

**Did Penny Dale write Ten in the Bed?**

Penny Dale’s picture book was published in 1988, but the song was already catalogued in Oscar Brand’s Folksongs for Fun in 1964. No earlier author or definitive country of origin was established.

**Why is the full Ten in the Bed countdown labelled as an editorial expansion?**

Only the number and final response change as each sleeper rolls out. The page completes that repeating pattern down to one for practical use and labels the expansion so it is not mistaken for a verbatim historical transcription.

## Sources

- [Swedish Folk Music Archive — Ten in the Bed in Folksongs for Fun (1964)](https://katalog.visarkiv.se/lib/views/visolat/ShowRecord.aspx?id=961667)
- [Walker Books — Penny Dale’s 1988 adaptation](https://www.walker.co.uk/9780744563252/ten-in-the-bed/)
- [CanDo Music — anonymous counting-song notation](https://www.candomusic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/05-cd1-january-final.pdf)