1 for the money, yes sir, 2 for the show

from Outkast – Elevators (Me & You) Lyrics on Rap Genius

In “The Annotated Mother Goose” p 259 the following rhyme is included

One to make ready
And two to prepare
good luck to the rider
And away goes the mare.

The annotation says this is “a race starting jingle”, and over time has transformed into the modern “one for the money, two for the show, three to make ready and four to go!” line.

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