Tap, tap, tap upon the pane,
a child quivers in his bed.
'Tis nothing but the driving rain
that's dancing in the dark.
 
A scratching on the window shut,
brings new fears to the little boy.
'Tis only the twigs on yonder shrub
that's dancing in the dark.

The moaning, sighing southern gale
bring shudders to the child.
'Tis nothing but a playful breeze
that's dancing in the dark.

Lightning arcs across the sky,
while a thunder clap is heard.
'Tis nothing but a few fireworks
that's dancing in the dark.

The creaking house lets forth a groan
for all that cannot sleep.
'Tis nothing but the golden folks
that's dancing in the dark.

Soft feather flakes of snow now fall
to smother all these sounds.
The child gazes in wonder at what he sees
that's dancing in the dark.

A sleepy child soon finds his rest
as dreams now fill his head.
At times he sees so many things
that's dancing in the dark.