Are you interested in learning more about the lullaby “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”? Would you like to play this song on the piano? Read on to learn more about this folk song, where it comes from, and how to play it!
Who wrote “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and when?
The melody for “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” originally comes from the 18th century French folk-song entitled “Ah! Vous dirai-je, maman”, which is translated to mean “Oh! Shall I tell you, mama.” The text that we are familiar with today comes from a 19th century poem written by English author Jane Taylor. The composition of this song is often falsely attributed to W.A. Mozart, but he did compose a piano piece named “Twelve Variations in C Major, on the French Song ‘Ah! Vous dirai-je, maman’” in 1781/82, at approximately 25 years of age. Check out a performance of this famous work here!
Due to its simple melody and soothing nighttime-themed lyrics, this song has become famous as a lullaby for children. Read on to find out why!
What is “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” about?
Here are the words to the original Jane Taylor poem “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”. While reading the words, think about what the meaning might be!
Patterns make the song easier to learn! Notice that the first line or phrase is the same as the fifth line (phrase) of the song! This part is called the A section. The 3rd and 4th lines (phrase) of the song are identical. These lines are both called the C section. Once you notice the patterns, you might determine that the form of this song is ABCCAB.
(A) Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
(B) How I wonder what you are!
(C) Up above the world so high,
(C) Like a diamond in the sky.
(A) Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
(B) How I wonder what you are!
(A) When the blazing sun is gone,
(B) When he nothing shines upon,
(C) Then you show your little light,
(C) Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
(A) When the blazing sun is gone,
(B) When he nothing shines upon.
(A) Then the traveler in the dark,
(B) Thanks you for your tiny spark,
(C) He could not see which way to go,
(C) If you did not twinkle so.
(A) Then the traveler in the dark,
(B) Thanks you for your tiny spark.
(A) In the dark blue sky you keep,
(B) And often thro’ my curtains peep,
(C) For you never shut your eye,
(C) Till the sun is in the sky.
(A) In the dark blue sky you keep,
(B) And often thro’ my curtains peep.
(A) ‘Tis your bright and tiny spark,
(B) Lights the traveler in the dark,
(C) Tho’ I know not what you are,
(C) Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
(A) ‘Tis your bright and tiny spark,
(B) Lights the traveler in the dark.
The poetry of this lullaby seems to be written about the childlike curiosity that comes from looking up at the nighttime sky. When someone looks up at the sky, they might wonder how high up the stars are, what they are, and why they twinkle. Stars provide light in the nighttime darkness after the sun goes down, which can help travelers see in the dark. The observer might also wonder why the stars disappear during the day after the sun rises. Overall, these words sound hopeful – you can always rely on the stars and their guiding lights to be in the sky after the sun disappears.
After reading the words yourself, what do you think the meaning of this poem might be? Do you agree or do you have a different interpretation?
What key is “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” in?
Mozart’s rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle” is in C major, but the melody can be transposed into and performed in any major key!
How to play “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” on the piano
The melody to “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is simple, and with a little practice, you can easily play it on your own piano!
This song mostly uses quarter notes (“tas” – each is held for one beat), but each phrase ends with a half note (“two-wos” – held for two beats). Below, I have included the sheet music as well as the solfege, C major notes, and right hand finger numbers that you can use to practice. As above, I have labeled the sections (ABCCAB) so that you can see the patterns within the song!
IMPORTANT NOTE: To play this song, make sure you are playing with your right hand. It will start in the C major pentascale, with your RH thumb on C. As you practice the A and C sections of this song, you will need to move your pinky up for the A note. Your hand will need to go back to the C major pentascale for the B section. This way, you can reach all of the notes in the song! Use the guide below for help!
Solfege:
(A) DO DO SO SO LA LA SO
(B) FA FA MI MI RE RE DO
(C) SO SO FA FA MI MI RE
(C) SO SO FA FA MI MI RE
(A) DO DO SO SO LA LA SO
(B) FA FA MI MI RE RE DO
C Major Notes:
(A) C C G G A A G
(B) F F E E D D C
(C) G G F F E E D
(C) G G F F E E D
(A) C C G G A A G
(B) F F E E D D C
RH Finger Numbers:
(A) 1 1 4 4 5 5 4
(B) 4 4 3 3 2 2 1
(C) 5 5 4 4 3 3 2
(C) 5 5 4 4 3 3 2
(A) 1 1 4 4 5 5 4
(B) 4 4 3 3 2 2 1
Other easy songs piano songs for children to learn
Now that you know all about “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” you can practice it on your own! If you’d like to learn more easy songs, check out this Hoffman Academy blog article: Easy Songs to Play on the Piano!
We here at Hoffman Academy hope you enjoy playing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and other fun piano songs. Stay focused and practice, practice, practice!