Here's how I remember it (and sing it to my grandchildren). I learned it at Girl Scouts in the 1940/50s
^^ Baby Owlet, Purple Owlet, Singing as Moon shines above.
Baby Owlet, Purple Owlet, Singing as Moon shines above.
Won't you lend me your swift pinion? Won't you lend me your swift pinion, Won't you lend me your swift pinion, That I may Fly to my love.
That I may Fly to my love.
Tetra coo, coo, coo Tetra Coo, coo, coo Tetra coo, coo coo Baby Owlet Poor little owlet He is tired from crying so.
If I were a Baby Owlet I would never steal away. If I were a Baby Owlet I would never steal away.
Till my wings were strong and steady Till my wings were strong and steady Till my wings were strong and steady Safe within My nest I'd stay. Safe witin My nest I'd stay.
Then I usually sing it over again starting from "Tetra Coo, coo, coo and keep going over it until the darlings fall asleep. Baby Owlet is one of their very favorite songs -- just wish I had some printed autority for the words!!