Full Lyrics
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.
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 traveler in the dark,
Though I know not what you are,
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.
About This Song
"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is one of the most recognized nursery rhymes in the English-speaking world. The lyrics are based on an early-19th-century English poem by Jane Taylor, titled "The Star", first published in 1806 in Rhymes for the Nursery, a collection by Jane and her sister Ann Taylor.
The melody is based on the French tune "Ah! vous dirai-je, maman", which was also used by Mozart in a famous set of keyboard variations. The simple AABA structure makes it easy for young children to memorize and sing, making it a staple of early childhood learning worldwide.
Beyond just being a lovely bedtime song, the rhyme gently introduces children to the concept of stars, the night sky, and the beauty of wondering about the world around them — a perfect blend of imagination and early science!