Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star - Nursery Rhyme For Kids

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

[C]Twinkle, twinkle [F]little [C]star

[G7]How I [C]wonder [G]what you [C]are

Up a[F]bove the [C]world so [G]high

[C]Like a [F]diamond [C]in the [G]sky

[C]Twinkle, twinkle [F]little [C]star

[F]How I [C]wonder [G]what you [C]are

The History Behind Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

The Birth of a Poem (1806)

The story of ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ begins in England with Jane Taylor, a poet who had a knack for words. Alongside her sister Ann, Jane published Rhymes for the Nursery in 1806. Nestled within this collection was a poem called The Star, which sparkled with simplicity and wonder.

‘Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are!’

The verses painted the night sky with childlike curiosity, a universal sentiment that struck a chord then and continues to resonate now.

The Melody Emerges

But what’s a star without its shine? Enter an 18th-century French folk tune, Ah! vous dirai-je, maman, a lilting melody that first surfaced in 1761. Originally paired with verses about a child's woes (think ‘Mom, I ate too many sweets!’), this melody was later immortalized by Mozart in a set of piano variations.

By the 19th century, Taylor’s poem and the French tune became celestial companions. Their union transformed The Star into the singable delight we know today, setting the stage for future ukulele arrangements.

Twinkle Crosses Oceans

From English nurseries to American classrooms, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star travelled far and wide. Its universal charm transcended language barriers, inspiring versions in nearly every tongue. As it soared, the song became more than a nursery rhyme; it became a cultural bridge, a lullaby, and a first song for countless aspiring musicians.

The Ukulele Connection

Now, why does this star shine so brightly for uke players? For one, the tune is as beginner friendly as a C chord. Its repetitive melody makes it perfect for strumming, plucking, and even experimenting with harmonies. Plus, the song's simple structure invites playful improvisation, great for jamming sessions.

Many ukulele instructors use Twinkle, Twinkle as a gateway song, teaching newcomers how to easily transition between chords. And for more advanced strummers, it can be used for jazzy riffs and fingerstyle flourishes.

The Star Song Today

The enduring appeal of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star lies in its ability to unite players of all ages and skill levels. So, next time you play this on your uke remember, you’re not just playing a song. You’re connecting with over two centuries of history, poetry, and music!

Happy Strumming 😊