?The Owl? is part of Liza Lehmann?s song cycle Bird Songs, composed in 1907. Liza Lehmann was an English operatic soprano and composer, known especially for her vocal compositions. She first toured the United States in 1910, accompanying her own songs in concert. Lehmann later became the first president of the Society of Women Musicians, a group formed in response to the lack of female representation in the music world and the limited professional opportunities for women.
Three little owlets
In a hollow tree,
Cuddled up together
Close as could be,
When the moon shone out
And the dew lay wet
Mother flew about
To see what she could get
She caught a little mouse
So velvety and soft,
She caught a little sparrow,
And then she flew aloft
To the three little owlets
In a hollow tree,
Cuddled up together
Close as could be,
"Tu-whoo," said the old owl
"Isn't this good cheer?"
"Tu-whit," said the owlets.
"Thank you, mother dear,
Tu-whit, tu-whit, tu-whit, tu-whit,
Tu-whoo."