New Version of ABC's Song

If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.

We can all agree the American education system could use improvements. From standardized tests and state standards to plummeting reading and comprehension numbers, a group has to decide to tackle the biggest problem in education… the ABC’s song.

The ABCs song has stood the test of time set to the all-familiar tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” In 2012, an educational website decided they would create chaos in the universe and throw a wrench into classrooms across the nation with their own version. The group kept the original tune of the classic song but added several awkward pauses and just enough of a change in the lyrics that makes nails on a chalkboard sound more appealing.

Now that schools are back in session, TikTok has brought the new version around again to remind parents what they are in for.

The new version’s biggest changes include pauses in between the fast-paced “LMNOP.” The updated song also omits the “and” in between “X-Y-and-Z.” Apparently, children assumed LMNOP was one letter and the “and” was also its own separate letter in the alphabet… 

To add salt to the wound, the ending lyrics have changed to “now I never will forget / how to say the alphabet.” How natural does that sound for a toddler?

Take a deep breath and listen for yourself:

And in case you need a visual sing-along version, we’ve taken the liberty to write out both below.

The original (correct) version:

A-B-C-D-E-F-G (pause) H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P (pause) Q-R-S (pause) T-U-V (pause) W-X (pause) Y and Z / Now I know my ABCs / Next time won’t you sing with me?

The new cool version:

A-B-C-D-E-F-G (pause) H-I-J-K-L-M-N (pause) O-P-Q (pause) R-S-T (pause) U-V-W (pause) X-Y-Z / Now I never will forget / how to say the alphabet

We are all for improving our kids’ learning techniques, but this ABC’s is more like WTF? Parents are having a hard enough time with “new math” and keeping track if Pluto is still a planet or not.