I see the moon, the moon sees me,
Down through the leaves of the old oak tree.
Please let the light that shines on me,
Shine on the one I love.

Over the mountains, over the sea,
Back where my heart is longing to be.
Please let the light that shines on me,
Shine on the one I love.

I hear the lark, the lark hears me,
Singing from the leaves of the old oak tree.
Oh, let the lark that sings to me,
Sing to the one I love.

Over the mountains, over the sea,
Back where my heart is longing to be.
Oh, let the lark that sings to me,
Sing to the one I love.

This lullaby is rich with natural imagery – moonlight, birdsong, and longing – and has a peaceful, almost wistful rhythm. It's ideal for quiet moments and bedtime cuddles, especially when your little one needs a calm, reflective wind-down.

Original Two-Line Version

I see the moon, and the moon sees me,
God bless the moon, and God bless me!

This shorter version is still sometimes used as a gentle blessing at bedtime, especially with younger children.

The Story Behind I See The Moon

I See the Moon dates back at least to the late 18th century, with an early version reportedly appearing in 1783. The more widely recognised version was published in 1866 in Gammer Gurton’s Garland: A Choice Collection of Pretty Songs and Verses for the Amusement of All Little Good Children Who Can Neither Read Nor Run – a delightfully old-fashioned title for a children’s rhyme book!

Over time, the lullaby evolved. The expanded version above is often attributed to Meredith Willson, an American composer best known for writing The Music Man. Willson’s version gently deepened the lullaby, adding a sense of yearning and connection to loved ones far away.

🌟 A Song That Travelled the World

The lullaby was recorded by several artists in the mid-20th century, including:

  • The Mariners (1952, USA)
  • The Stargazers (1954, UK)

Its timeless melody and poetic charm continue to make it a favourite for families, especially those wanting something slightly more reflective than traditional nursery rhymes.