Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky!
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Few lullabies are as instantly recognisable—or as gently magical—as Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Whether whispered at bedtime or sung together at playgroup, this classic rhyme continues to comfort and delight generation after generation.
📜 The Original Poem: “The Star” by Jane Taylor
Most people know the first verse, but the full poem is just as charming—filled with lovely stargazing imagery and a sense of quiet wonder. It was originally written as a five-verse poem, with each verse followed by the now-famous opening lines.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky!
When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Then the traveller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky.
As your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the traveller in the dark,
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
The Story Behind Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star was first published in 1806 in England as part of a poetry collection called Rhymes for the Nursery, written by Jane Taylor and her sister Ann Taylor. The original poem was simply titled “The Star”.
Over time, the opening lines became so iconic that the poem took on a new name—and a life of its own—as a beloved lullaby.
It’s often sung to the tune of a French melody called “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman”, which also happens to be used for Baa Baa Black Sheep and The Alphabet Song.
🛌 Why not sing the whole poem?
While most people only sing the first verse, the full poem has a gentle rhythm that’s perfect for winding down at bedtime. Try adding a refrain of the first two lines after each verse—just like a chorus—and you’ll have a longer, lovelier lullaby.