1 They say that man is mighty,
He governs land and sea;
He wields a mighty scepter
O’er lesser powers that be;
By a mightier power and stronger,
Man from his throne is hurled,
And the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

2 Blessings on the hand of woman!
Angels guard its strength and grace,
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place!
Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

3 Infancy’s the tender fountain,
Power may with beauty flow;
Mother’s first to guide the streamlets,
From them souls unresting grow;
Grow on for the good or evil,
Sunshine streamed or darkness hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

4 Woman, how divine your mission
Here upon our natal sod!
Keep, oh, keep the young heart open
Always to the breath of God!
All true trophies of the ages
Are from mother-love impearled,
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

5 Blessings on the hand of woman!
Fathers, sons and daughters cry,
And the sacred song is mingled
With the worship in the sky—
Mingles where no tempest darkens,
Rainbows evermore are curled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.