Released: November 27, 1967

Songwriter: Ronald Miller Orlando Murden

Producer: Henry “Hank” Cosby

[Verse]
Close your eyes, beddy bye tin soldier
Mommy says that it's time for sleep
If my folks were wiser and older
They'd know kids and toys don't need sleep

Don't be bad little cotton dolly
See how nice Mickey Mouse sleeps now?
Even my brass drummer boy has stopped all his noise
Cause he knows it's past bedtime for toys

[Speaking]
Ya know, every Christmas Santa Claus goes all over the world with his reindeer
Sled, and a big bag of toys and he'll come to your house this year too
But sometimes, just sometimes, he doesn't have enough time to see every little boy and girl because the world is so big
So maybe we should sing a song for all the children that Santa didn't visit

Bless the child who has no tin soldier
No brass drummer boy to put to bed
He will still grow wiser and older
Loving one small rag doll instead

He won't have a cotton dolly
Mickey Mouse won't come to his house
Hold that rag doll to your heart, nothing can destroy
The beauty one shall find in one small toy

Stevie Wonder

Despite losing his sight at a young age, Stevie Wonder went on to become one of the most celebrated soul songwriters of the late 20th century. His songs manage to both innovate and catch the ears of listeners of all dispositions, whilst also being big chart hits.

Incredibly influential amongst musical circles, his voice rendered modern British soul-songwriter James Morrison close to tears the first time he heard it.