Full Lyrics
Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee.
Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
Lulled by the moonlight have all passed away.
Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody.
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng,
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea,
Mermaids are chanting the wild lorelei.
Over the streamlet vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.
Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,
E'en as the morn on the streamlet and sea.
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
About This Song
"Beautiful Dreamer" is a parlor song by Stephen Foster, one of America's most beloved 19th-century composers. It was published in 1864, shortly after Foster's death, and became one of his most enduring works.
The gentle waltz rhythm and dreamy lyrics make it a perfect lullaby. Foster wrote over 200 songs during his lifetime, including classics like "Oh! Susanna" and "Camptown Races," but "Beautiful Dreamer" showcases his gift for romantic, soothing melodies.
The song has been covered by artists ranging from Bing Crosby to Roy Orbison, and its timeless melody continues to lull children to sleep more than 150 years after it was written.