Three artists share this name: a Scottish group, an American rock band, and… Read Full Bio ↴Three artists share this name: a Scottish group, an American rock band, and an American Doo Wop group.

1) The Chimes were a successful dance music trio from Scotland, featuring vocalist Pauline Henry (born 29 January 1961) with Mike Peden and James Locke. They are best known for their hits "Heaven" and a remake of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," which became a UK Top Ten hit. In the U.S. they reached the Billboard Hot 100 with the song "1-2-3," at #86 in 1990. It spent two weeks at #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, and its follow-up, "Heaven," was a #1 dance chart hit.
Bono from U2 famously commented that the Chimes' cover of their hit "I Still Haven't Found What Im Looking For" was the "only cover version he had heard that he enjoyed and did the original justice", adding "at last someone's come along to sing it properly".

2) The Chimes were an 80s American rock band formed in Cleveland featured on the post-punk compilation 'From The Eerie Shore'.

3) An American Doo Wop group that recorded in the 1950's. They are best known for their song "Once In A While".

1 2 3
The Chimes Lyrics

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One, Two, Three, Four, Five
Once I caught a fish alive
Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten
Then I let it go again
Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so
Which finger did it bite?
This little finger on the right
One, Two, Three, Four, Five
Once I caught a fish alive
Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten
Then I let it go again
Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so
Which finger did it bite?
This little finger on the right
One, Two, Three, Four, Five
Once I caught a fish alive
Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten
Then I let it go again
Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so

Which finger did it bite?
This little finger on the right

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Chimes' song "1 2 3" are a simple, repetitive counting rhyme that tells the story of catching a fish and then letting it go again. The song starts with the catchy counting from one to ten, emphasizing each number as a way to engage the listener and create a rhythmic structure. It then describes the act of catching a fish alive and subsequently releasing it back into the water. The reason for letting the fish go is revealed to be because it bit the singer's finger, specifically the little finger on the right hand.

This song is reminiscent of traditional nursery rhymes or children's songs, with its repetitive structure and playful nature. The act of catching and releasing a fish is used as a simple storytelling device, teaching young listeners about cause and effect. The lyrics engage the listener through the use of questions and encourage participation by prompting answers to those questions.

Overall, "1 2 3" by The Chimes is a fun and lighthearted counting rhyme that combines playful storytelling with a memorable melody. It aims to entertain young listeners while also teaching basic counting skills and introducing the concept of cause and effect.

1 2 3The Chimes Lyrics

1 2 3
The Chimes Lyrics