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On Top of Spaghetti is a fun and silly children’s rhyme that tells the story of a meatball that goes on an unexpected adventure after it rolls off a plate of spaghetti when someone sneezes. Kids love it because of its playful rhythm, funny images, and imaginative idea of a meatball growing into a tree full of meatballs and sauce. The song encourages laughter, movement, and participation, making it a favorite in classrooms and at home. Singing or reciting this rhyme also helps young children with language skills, memory, and listening abilities while introducing them to simple storytelling and rhyme patterns in a joyful and friendly way.
On Top Of Spaghetti Song Lyrics
Here’s a classic version of the On Top Of Spaghetti words that children and families enjoy singing together:
Om top of spaghetti all covered with cheese
I lost my poor meatball when somebody sneezed
It rolled off the table, it rolled on the floor
And then my poor meatball rolled out of the door
It rolled in the garden and under a bush
And then my poor meatball was nothing but mush.
The mush was as tasty as tasty could be,
And early next summer it grew to a tree.
The tree was all covered with beautiful moss
It grew great big meatballs and tomato sauce.
So if you eat spaghetti all covered with cheese,
Hold on to your meatball and don’t ever sneeze.
Other Versions of the On Top Of Spaghetti Song
Over the years, On Top of Spaghetti has been shared in slightly different ways, with small changes that keep the rhyme fun while adding variety for children.
1. Extended Ending Version – Meatball Tree Rhyme
*On top of spaghetti,
All covered with cheese,
I lost my poor meatball
When somebody sneezed.
It rolled off the table
And onto the floor,
And then my poor meatball
Rolled out of the door.
It rolled in the garden
And under a bush,
And then my poor meatball
Was nothing but mush.
But look what has happened,
It’s easy to see,
The mush grew a plant,
Then a big meatball tree.
With spaghetti and meatballs
All covered with cheese,
If you eat from that tree,
You’ll be happy, oh please!*
2. Short Classroom Version – Easy-to-Remember Rhyme
On top of spaghetti,
All covered with cheese,
I lost my poor meatball
When somebody sneezed.
It rolled off the table
And onto the floor,
Oh where is my meatball?
I can’t find it anymore!
3. Action-Based Version – With Fun Movements
On top of spaghetti,
All covered with cheese,
I lost my poor meatball
When somebody sneezed (achoo!).
It rolled off the table
And onto the floor (roll your hands),
It rolled and it rolled
Right out of the door (point away).
Gestures – How to Teach On Top Of Spaghetti to Kids
Using actions while singing makes this rhyme more engaging and helps children remember the words through movement and play. Simple gestures also support coordination, listening skills, and active participation, especially for younger kids.
- Pretend to hold a plate by forming a circle with both hands in front of you as you sing “On top of spaghetti,” helping children imagine the scene clearly.
- Rub your tummy or sprinkle imaginary cheese when saying “All covered with cheese” to connect the words with a fun, food-based action.
- Mime a big sneeze by turning your head and saying “achoo” during “When somebody sneezed,” which kids usually find very funny.
- Roll your hands forward as if something is rolling when the meatball falls off the table and onto the floor.
- Point outward and trace a rolling motion to show the meatball rolling out of the door and into the garden.
- Crouch down and then stretch tall like a growing plant to show how the meatball turns into mush and later grows into a tree.
History & Quick Facts
On Top of Spaghetti is a popular American children’s rhyme that is believed to have been written in the mid-20th century. It is commonly credited to folk singer and songwriter Tom Glazer, who adapted the playful lyrics to fit a familiar melody. The rhyme was first published and shared through children’s music recordings and school songbooks, which helped it spread quickly across classrooms and homes. Its tune is based on the traditional folk song “On Top of Old Smoky,” making it easy for adults to learn and teach. Over time, the rhyme became popular because of its silly storyline, simple language, and strong storytelling rhythm that appeals to young children.
Interesting Facts
- The rhyme uses the same tune as On Top of Old Smoky, which helps children learn it faster since the melody is already familiar.
- It is often sung in preschools and kindergartens because the story is short, funny, and easy to remember.
- The sneezing moment in the song makes children laugh and encourages expressive singing and actions.
- Many versions of the rhyme exist, with some adding a “meatball tree” ending to extend the story.
- The rhyme has been translated into different languages while keeping the same catchy tune.
- It is commonly used in early learning to teach sequencing, listening skills, and imaginative thinking in a fun way.
Suitable Age & Learnings
On Top of Spaghetti is best suited for children between 2 to 6 years, as the rhyme uses simple words, a familiar tune, and a funny storyline that young kids can easily understand. It works well for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners during circle time, music sessions, or home learning.
- Language development: Children learn new words and sentence patterns by listening to and repeating the rhyme regularly.
- Memory and recall skills: Singing the rhyme helps kids remember sequences, such as what happens to the meatball step by step.
- Listening and attention: Following the lyrics and actions encourages children to listen carefully and stay focused.
- Imagination and creativity: The idea of a rolling meatball and a meatball tree sparks creative thinking and storytelling.
- Rhythm and musical awareness: The steady tune helps children recognize beats, rhythm, and melody in songs.
- Vocabulary building: Words like spaghetti, cheese, sneeze, table, and garden help expand everyday vocabulary in a fun way.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyming scheme of On Top Of Spaghetti?
The rhyme mainly follows an AABB rhyming scheme, where pairs of lines end with similar-sounding words, making it easy and enjoyable for children to follow.
2. Why is On Top Of Spaghetti a good rhyme for young children?
The rhyme uses simple language, a familiar tune, and a funny story, which helps children stay engaged while building early language, memory, and listening skills.
On Top of Spaghetti continues to be a beloved nursery rhyme because it blends humor, imagination, and learning in a way young children truly enjoy. Its simple words and familiar tune make it easy for kids to sing along and remember the story. Through playful actions and repetition, the rhyme supports early language development and listening skills. Parents and teachers can use it as a joyful bonding activity during music time or daily routines. The silly journey of the runaway meatball keeps children smiling while encouraging creativity. Overall, this rhyme remains a timeless and comforting part of early childhood learning and fun.
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