Premiering in 1969, this educational television show aimed at preschoolers … Read Full Bio ↴Premiering in 1969, this educational television show aimed at preschoolers has charmed generations of youngsters ever since. The show - featuring a lovable cast of characters including Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, Snuffy, Grover and many others - has delighted and educated children and adults alike, with its collection of songs, skits, and celebrity guest appearances.

Count It Higher
Sesame Street Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You told me you could count
You said there's nothing to it
Well, if you're so good at counting
Let me hear you do it
1...2...3...
Mercy, is that the best you can do?
You've got to count it higher (count it higher)
I'd like to know who told ya you could stop at 3

You've got to count it higher (count it higher)
Baby, if you want to count with me

Let me hear you count again now
1...2...3...higher!
4...higher!
5...Agh!
You've got to count if higher (count it higher)
5 just isn't good enough at all you see
You've got to count it higher (count it higher)

Baby, if you want to count with me

Now, let's just try it one last time
1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10
You went and counted higher (counted higher)
You really went and counted all the way to 10
You went and counted higer (counted higher)
Now go back to 1 and start to count again
Are you ready?
1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10
You went and counted higher (counted higher)
You counted counted counted higher
You counted counted counted, huh!

You counted counted counted higher
You really are so good at counting!

Overall Meaning

The song Count It Higher by Sesame Street is an upbeat tune that encourages children to count higher than they usually would. The lyrics start with the singer challenging the listener's counting skills, sarcastically commenting on how impressive their skills are when they stop counting merely at three. The chorus then kicks in, telling them to "count it higher" and reminding them that they are supposed to be starting at 1 and counting up to higher numbers like 10. As the song progresses, the singer urges the children to count higher, and they gradually pick up the pace until they reach 10. The song concludes with the singer congratulating the listener on their counting abilities.

The lyrics of this song perfectly encapsulate the learning process of children while indicating the importance of continuous learning. The song's catchy tune and repetitions of the phrase "count it higher" stick with the children, encouraging them to learn every time they hear the song. Sesame Street's emphasis on education through music and fun is evident in this song's playful and engaging lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

You told me you could count
You mentioned that you have the skill to count

You said there's nothing to it
You expressed that counting is a simple task

Well, if you're so good at counting
Since you are proficient in counting

Let me hear you do it
I want to hear your counting ability

1...2...3...
Counting 1, 2, 3

Mercy, is that the best you can do?
That's all you can count?

You've got to count it higher (count it higher)
You should aim to count beyond that (count higher)

I'd like to know who told ya you could stop at 3
I want to know who said that 3 is where you should stop counting

Baby, if you want to count with me
If you want to count with me

Let me hear you count again now
Please count again now

4...higher!
Counting 4, and beyond (higher)