Sleep like a baby? Ha! As parents know all too well, babies — and little ones in general — aren’t always good at getting (and staying) asleep. But an old-fashioned remedy can help: the lullaby. Show
There’s a reason parents have turned to lullabies for centuries — they work. And there’s science to back that up. Incorporating soothing songs into your little one’s bedtime routine may result in better sleep for babies (and an improved “maternal mood,” too), according to one study. Nearly any song — regardless of lyrics and melody — can be re-imagined as a lullaby. Still, some songs seem to particularly lend themselves to sending baby off to dreamland. Here are some of our favorite lullabies for babies — a mix of popular, modern-day hits and songs sung for centuries by parents eager for their little ones to get some shut-eye. 1. "Rock-a-Bye Baby"This classic nursery rhyme is believed to date back to 18th-century England (though it may have originated in America). Theories abound as to the meaning of the mysterious (and ominous!) lyrics, which have changed a bit over time. And while the notion of a falling cradle may not seem very restful, this melody has lulled babies to sleep and weathered the test of time. Listen to “Rock-a-Bye Baby.” “Rock-a-Bye Baby” LyricsRock-a-bye baby On the tree tops, When the wind blows The cradle will rock. When the bough breaks The cradle will fall, And down will come baby Cradle and all. 2. "Good Night"This classic Beatles song (written by John Lennon for his son Julian) is peaceful and soothing. Tender lyrics (like “now the sun turns out his light” and “dream sweet dreams for me”) are perfect for parents to sing to little ones. Continue Reading Below Read This NextThink of "Good Night" as an audio take on the classic bedtime story Goodnight Moon. (And if you love the Beatles, there are plenty of other songs — such as “I’m Only Sleeping,” “Golden Slumbers” and “Blackbird” — that double as sleepy-time songs. ) Hear Ringo Starr sing “Good Night.” “Good Night” LyricsNow it's time to say good night, Good night, sleep tight. Now the sun turns out his light, Good night, sleep tight. Dream sweet dreams for me, Dream sweet dreams for you. Close your eyes and I'll close mine, Good night, sleep tight. Now the moon begins to shine, Good night, sleep tight. Dream sweet dreams for me, Dream sweet dreams for you. Close your eyes and I'll close mine, Good night, sleep tight. Now the sun turns out his light, Good night, sleep tight. Dream sweet dreams for me, Dream sweet dreams for you. Good night, Good night, everybody, Everybody, everywhere, Good night. 3. "Brahms’ Lullaby" (also known as “The Cradle Song”)The name doesn’t lend a clue as to the melody or lyrics, but you likely will be able to hum along when you hear this classic song from German composer Johannes Brahms. Different variations of the lyrics — originally in German — accompany different versions of the song, but all are full of comfort. Listen to Dean Martin croon “The Cradle Song.” “Cradle Song” LyricsLullaby and good night, With roses bedight. Creep into thy bed, There pillow thy head. If God will thou shalt wake, When the morning doth break. If God will thou shalt wake, When the morning doth break. Lullaby and good night, Those blue eyes close tight. Bright angels are near, So sleep without fear. They will guard thee from harm, With fair dreamland's sweet charm. They will guard thee from harm, With fair dreamland's sweet charm. 4. "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"The lyrics to this classic — heard in day cares around the country — come from a poem by Jane Taylor that was written in 1806. With its images of stars and the night sky, along with the disappearing sun, this song is the perfect way to evoke sleep. Listen to this version of the lullaby by Jewel. “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” LyricsTwinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are! Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky. When the blazing sun is gone, When he nothing shines upon, Then you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night. Then the traveler in the dark Thanks you for your tiny spark, How could he see where to go, If you did not twinkle so? In the dark blue sky you keep, Often through my curtains peep. For you never shut your eye, Till the sun is in the sky. As your bright and tiny spark Lights the traveler in the dark, Though I know not what you are, Twinkle, twinkle, little star. 5. "Amazing Grace"This classic hymn, especially as sung by the incomparable Etta James, is deeply emotional and stirring. And although as the lyrics mention, there are moments of “dangers, toils and snares,” the overall spirit and arc of the song is uplifting. Plus, parents may appreciate that the song is easy to hum and sing. Listen to Etta James in a live performance of “Amazing Grace.” “Amazing Grace” LyricsAmazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found Was blind, but now I see Was grace that taught my heart to fear And grace, my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed Through many dangers, toils and snares We have already come T'was grace that brought us safe thus far And grace will lead us home And grace will lead us home Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found Was blind, but now I see Was blind, but now I see 6. "Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight"You don’t have to do a full doo-wop performance (à la the classic scene from Three Men and a Baby) to benefit from the restful tones of this song by The Spaniels. Sure, it may be about a late night and bidding farewell to a date, but these lyrics — and the slow, easy-to-sing pacing — lend themselves to sleepy time with babies. Listen to the full song. “Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight” LyricsGoodnight, sweetheart, well it's time to go, Goodnight, sweetheart, well it's time to go, I hate to leave you, but I really must say, Goodnight, sweetheart, goodnight. Goodnight, sweetheart, well it's time to go, Goodnight, sweetheart, well it's time to go, I hate to leave you, but I really must say, Goodnight, sweetheart, goodnight. Well, it's three o'clock in the morning, Baby, I just can't treat you right. Well, I hate to leave you, baby, Don't mean maybe, because I love you so. Goodnight, sweetheart, well it's time to go, I hate to leave you, but I really must say, Goodnight, sweetheart, goodnight. Goodnight, sweetheart, well it's time to go, Goodnight, sweetheart, well it's time to go, I hate to leave you, but I really must say, Goodnight, sweetheart, goodnight. Now, my mother and my father, Might hear if I stay here too long. One kiss and we'll part, And you'll be going, You know I hate to see you go. 7. "Frère Jacques" (or "Brother John")You can sing this classic French lullaby — about a friar who oversleeps — in either English or French. Your choice! Either way, the repetition at the end of the song (“ding, dang, dong”) is curiously restful. Listen to the chimes in “Frère Jacques." “Frère Jacque” LyricsFrère Jacques, Frère Jacques, Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous? Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines! Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong. “Brother John” LyricsAre you sleeping? Are you sleeping? Brother John, Brother John, Morning bells are ringing! Morning bells are ringing! Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong. 8. “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”The deeply hope-filled chorus of this African American spiritual song is likely quite familiar. People have sung “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” since the late 1800s, and while its exact origins are unknown (and it has at times stirred up some controversy), the song’s power and popularity are certain. Parents can sing the whole song, or simply repeat the chorus, until babies drift off to dreamland. Hear the Plantation Singers' a capella rendition of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” LyricsSwing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home Swing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home I looked over Jordan and what did I see Coming for to carry me home A band of angels coming after me Coming for to carry me home Swing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home Swing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home If you get there before I do Coming for to carry me home Tell all my friends I'm coming too Coming for to carry me home Swing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home Swing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home 9. "Star Light, Star Bright"Sing this classic tune to lull your baby to sleep. You can point out the stars in the night sky as you sing. The simple lyrics make it easy to remember. Listen along to the melody here. “Star Light, Star Bright” LyricsStar light, star bright, The first star I see tonight; I wish I may, I wish I might, Have the wish I wish tonight. 10. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”As parents croon this hit song from The Wizard of Oz, they may wish that their babies will be able to discover this wonderful land where dreams come true. Listen to Judy Garland sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” LyricsSomewhere over the rainbow Way up high There's a land that I heard of Once in a lullaby Somewhere over the rainbow Skies are blue And the dreams that you dare to dream Really do come true Someday I'll wish upon a star And wake up where the clouds are far Behind me Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly Birds fly over the rainbow Why then, oh why can't I? If happy little bluebirds fly Beyond the rainbow Why, oh why can't I? 11. "Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)"Full of love and tender lyrics, Billy Joel’s lullaby contribution is a touching song to his daughter. It’s full of calming words (“I will never be far away”) and love (“you’ll always be a part of me”). Although you’ll hear this song at both weddings and funerals, it is a lullaby first and foremost. Listen to Billy Joel sing “Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)” from his River of Dreams album. “Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)” LyricsGoodnight, my angel, time to close your eyes, And save these questions for another day. I think I know what you've been asking me, I think you know what I've been trying to say. I promised I would never leave you, Then you should always know, Wherever you may go, no matter where you are, I never will be far away. Goodnight, my angel, now it's time to sleep, And still so many things I want to say. Remember all the songs you sang for me, When we went sailing on an emerald bay. And like a boat out on the ocean, I'm rocking you to sleep. The water's dark and deep, inside this ancient heart, You'll always be a part of me. Goodnight, my angel, now it's time to dream, And dream how wonderful your life will be. Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby, Then in your heart there will always be a part of me. Someday we'll all be gone, But lullabies go on and on, They never die, That's how you and I will be. 12. "All the Pretty Little Horses"The exact origins of this song — also referred to as “Hush-a-Bye” — are unknown, and you’ll see variation in the lyrics depending on the singer. Universally, though, the notion of better things when you awake remains constant in all variations. Listen to this soothing lullaby. “All the Pretty Horses” LyricsHush-a-bye, don't you cry. Go to sleepy little baby. When you wake, you shall have All the pretty little horses. Black and bays, dapples and grays, Coach and six-a-little horses. Hush-a-bye, don't you cry. Go to sleepy little baby. Hush-a-bye, don't you cry. Go to sleepy little baby. When you wake you shall have, All the pretty little horses. Black and bays, dapples and grays, Coach and six-a-little horses. Hush-a-bye, don't you cry. Go to sleepy little baby. 13. "You Are My Sunshine"Written in the late 1930s by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell, these sweet (perhaps even bittersweet) lyrics have been sung by many artists, including the Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, Bing Crosby and Aretha Franklin. Davis used to sing the song (while seated atop Sunshine, his horse) during his successful campaign for governor of Louisiana. Stick to the chorus for a more upbeat experience. Listen to the lullaby version of “You Are My Sunshine.” “You Are My Sunshine” LyricsYou are my sunshine, my only sunshine, You make me happy when skies are grey. You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you, Please don't take my sunshine away. The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamt I held you in my arms. When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken, So I hung my head, and I cried. You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, You make me happy when skies are grey. You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you, Please don't take my sunshine away. I'll always love you and make you happy, If you will only say the same. But if you leave me to love another, You'll regret it all one day. You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, You make me happy when skies are grey. You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you, Please don't take my sunshine away. Please don't take my sunshine away. 14. "Hush Little Baby"This song channels what moms and dads might be thinking as the witching hour approaches. Not much is known about the origins of this relatable song, which is full of sweet promises and parental love. Tip: Just switch “Papa” to “Mama” in the lyrics as needed. Give this classic, sung for generations, a listen. “Hush Little Baby” LyricsHush, little baby, don't say a word, Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird. And if that mockingbird won't sing, Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring. And if that diamond ring turns to brass, Papa's gonna buy you a looking glass. And if that looking glass gets broke, Papa's gonna buy you a billy goat. And if that billy goat won't pull, Papa's gonna buy you a cart and bull. And if that cart and bull turn over, Papa's gonna buy you a dog named Rover. And if that dog named Rover won't bark, Papa's gonna buy you a horse and cart. And if that horse and cart fall down, You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town! 15. “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”This is a classic nursery rhyme that parents can croon to their babies before naps and at bedtime. The four-line song can be repeated for four rounds. Often, though, you’ll hear variations on the lyrics. For instance, the lines “If you see a crocodile, don’t forget to scream” can be subbed in for the “merrily, merrily” repetition. For more lively moments with your baby, using this version — and maybe giving a small scream, to illustrate the point — is bound to result in smiles and giggles. Listen to “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” LyricsRow, row, row your boat Gently down the stream Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily Life is but a dream (repeat four times) 16. "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes"This classic Disney song from the movie Cinderella plays on the double meaning of the word dream — yes, it’s what happens when you sleep, but dreams are also an expression of hopes for the future. Parents can have both those meanings in mind as they sing these sweet, tender lyrics to whisk their baby off to slumber. Hear the Disney song. “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” LyricsA dream is a wish your heart makes When you're fast asleep In dreams you will lose your heartaches Whatever you wish for, you keep Have faith in your dreams, and someday Your rainbow will come smiling through No matter how your heart is grieving If you keep on believing The dream that you wish will come true A dream is a wish your heart makes When you're fast asleep In dreams you will lose your heartaches Whatever you wish for, you keep Have faith in your dreams, and someday Your rainbow will come smiling through No matter how your heart is grieving If you keep on believing The dream that you wish will come true 17. “Isn’t She Lovely”Got a daughter? Share this Stevie Wonder song, which is an ode to his own daughter, Aisha. The collection of adjectives describing Aisha just after her birth — lovely, wonderful, precious — will likely feel familiar to any new mom or dad. Listen to Stevie Wonder sing his lullaby. “Isn’t She Lovely” LyricsIsn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful? Isn't she precious? Less than one minute old I never thought through love we'd be Making one as lovely as she But isn't she lovely made from love? Isn't she pretty? Truly the angel's best Boy, I'm so happy We have been heaven-blessed I can't believe what God has done Through us He's given life to one But isn't she lovely made from love? Isn't she lovely? Life and love are the same Life is Aisha, The meaning of her name Londie, it could have not been done Without you who conceived the one That's so very lovely, made from love, hey! 18. “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)”While parents of daughters can sing Stevie Wonder's touching lyrics, parents of sons can turn to John Lennon for their nightly lullaby. His song for his son Sean is an embrace of fatherhood (but moms can also easily sing this song by substituting “Mommy” for “Daddy” in the first verse). The song is infused with messages of hope and comfort. Listen to John Lennon’s sweet lullaby to his son, which ends with a whispered “good night.” “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” LyricsClose your eyes Have no fear The monster's gone He's on the run and your daddy's here Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy Before you go to sleep Say a little prayer Every day in every way, it's getting better and better Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy Out on the ocean sailing away I can hardly wait To see you come of age But I guess we'll both just have to be patient 'Cause it's a long way to go A hard row to hoe Yes, it's a long way to go But in the meantime Before you cross the street Take my hand Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy Before you go to sleep Say a little prayer Every day in every way, it's getting better and better Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy Darling, darling, darling Darling Sean 19. “Didn’t Leave Nobody but the Baby”While it harkens back to an old lullaby, you’re most likely to be familiar with the song "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby" from the soundtrack to the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?, performed by Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch and Alison Krauss. Listen closely to the lyrics, and you’ll find them mournful and dark, in the style of old-fashioned fairy tales. But parents crooning this aloud late at night will appreciate the ample repetition of the line “Go to sleep, you little baby.” Listen to the trio sing this updated lullaby live. “Didn’t Leave Nobody but the Baby” LyricsGo to sleep, you little baby (Go to sleep, you little babe) Go to sleep, you little baby (Go to sleep, you little babe) Your mama's gone away and your daddy's gonna stay Didn't leave nobody but the baby Go to sleep, you little baby (Go to sleep, you little babe) Go to sleep, you little baby (Go to sleep, you little babe) Everybody's gone in the cotton and the corn Didn't leave nobody but the baby You're a sweet little baby (You're a sweet little babe) You're a sweet little baby (You're a sweet little babe) Honey in the rock and the sugar don't stop Gonna bring a bottle to the baby Don't you weep, pretty baby (Don't you weep, pretty babe) Don't you weep, pretty baby (Don't you weep, pretty babe) She's long gone with her red shoes on Gonna need another lovin' baby 20. “Stay Awake”Parents, get ready to use some sophisticated reverse psychology with this ditty from Mary Poppins. Every line in the song urges little ones to resist sleep: "don’t lie down," "don’t rest your head," "don’t close your eyes." But if you’ve seen the movie, you know that yawns overtake the children, and by the end of the song, it’s off to slumber. Listen to Julie Andrews croon this sleepy lullaby. “Stay Awake” LyricsStay awake, don't rest your head Don't lie down upon your bed While the moon drifts in the skies Stay awake, don't close your eyes Though the world is fast asleep Though your pillow soft and deep You're not sleepy as you seem Stay awake, don't nod and dream Stay awake, don't nod and dream |