A Brief History of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” began as a poem called The Star, written by English poet Jane Taylor and published in 1806 in a collection titled Rhymes for the Nursery, co-authored with her sister Ann.

The poem’s gentle rhythm and wonder-filled imagery made it a natural fit for lullabies. It was later paired with the French melody “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman”, a tune dating back to 1761, famously arranged by Mozart in his Twelve Variations.

Though the original poem has five stanzas, only the first is widely sung today. Its enduring charm lies in its simplicity — a child’s quiet curiosity about the stars above, echoing through generations.