A mother’s voice has a soothing effect on babies. Whether you have the voice of an angel or otherwise, a mother’s voice is always the easiest way to calm a baby and make them feel comfortable and at ease. Putting a baby to sleep is no exception. Mothers around the world all have their own versions of lullabies they sing to put their babies to sleep. This comes as natural to a mother as cuddling their baby or whispering sweet nothings to make them sleep.
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Your baby is probably used to your lullabies and it soothes them more than you know. Your baby also loves whatever lullaby you sing and will give that magical effect that’s sure to send them to dreamland.
Those lullabies often stay with your baby, until they grow up. Most of these lullabies often passed from generation to generation and even from one culture to the other. Singing your baby some lyrics also adds to the instant bond between the mother and the child.
Top 20 Most Popular Lullaby Lyrics
You’ve probably sung “Twinkle, twinkle, little star” — quite a number of times to your baby, why not learn few other bedtime lullabies to sing to your little one? We’ve gathered the Top 20 most famous lullaby lyrics that will guarantee sweet dreams to your baby. Plus, we’ve also included the classics that you’ve probably heard from your moms too!
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Everybody loves this iconic classic! Sing this song to your baby while putting them to sleep. When they’re bigger enough to watch the stars from the window, your little one will surely remember you singing this lullaby and appreciating those twinkling lights in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky
Hush, Little Baby
Who wouldn’t remember this song? Hush, Little Baby is almost equally famous as the Twinkle, twinkle. A true classic released in the 1900s depicting a mother’s unconditional love for her child. Learn the lyrics and you’ll surely be singing this to your baby in no time.
Hush, little baby, don’t say a word.
Mama’s going to buy you a Mockingbird.
And if that mockingbird don’t sing,
Mama’s going to buy you a diamond ring.
And if that diamond ring is brass,
Mama’s going to buy you a looking glass.
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Mama’s going to buy you a billy goat.
And if that billy goat don’t pull,
Mama’s going to you a cart and bull.
And if that cart and bull turn over,
Mama’s going to buy a dog called Rover.
And if that dog called Rover don’t bark,
Mama’s going to buy you a horse and cart.
And if that horse and cart turn round,
You’ll still be the sweetest little babe in town.
Frère Jacques
This is a French lullaby, but mind you, I’m sure you’ve heard the famous English translation of this song too. “Are you sleeping, are you sleeping, brother John?” Familiar right. Although the meaning of the song is more suitable for a morning song, this has been regarded as a lullaby that will magically whisk your baby to sleep.
French Version
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines, sonnez les matines
Ding ding dong, ding ding dong.
English Version
Are you sleeping, are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John?
Morning bells are ringing, morning bells are ringing
Ding ding dong, ding ding dong.
Rock-a-bye Baby
You’ll surely have heard of this Mother Goose song when you were growing up; when your mother is trying to put you to sleep. Another classic from the 18th century that’s a lullaby favorite around the world.
Rock-a-bye, baby
On the treetop
When the wind blows
The cradle will rock
If the bough breaks
The cradle will fall
But mama will catch you
Cradle and all
Baby is drowsing
Cozy and fair
Mother sits near
In her rocking chair
Forward and back
The cradle she swings
And though baby sleeps
He hears what she sings
Hush a bye baby
Up in the sky
On a soft cloud
it’s easy to fly
Angels keep watch
Over as you sleep
So hush a bye baby
Don’t make a peep
Rock a bye baby
Do not you fear
Never mind baby
Mother is near
Wee little fingers
Eyes are shut tight
Now sound asleep
Until morning light
Star Light, star bright
This is a popular lullaby that’s very easy to learn. The message is centered around the belief of wishes coming true when a shooting star falls. The Star Light, star bright lullaby is one of the classics that’s surely gonna put your baby to sleep.
Star light, star bright
First star I see tonight
I wish I may, I wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight.
Sweet Dreams (Goodnight Song)
Another classic lullaby that every mother should learn, plus, this is a duet unlike the others. The mother sings some lines and the child responds until the mother finishes of the song as the baby falls asleep. Sing this to your baby cuddled in bed and in no time, you’ll hear a peaceful snooze as your little one floats into the magical kingdom of sleep.
Mother: Goodnight to you
Baby: Goodnight to me
Mother: Now, close your eyes and go to sleep
Goodnight, sleep tight, sweet dreams tonight
Cradle Song or “Brahms’ Lullaby”
This song is a must in every mother’s lullaby list commonly referred to as “Brahms’ lullaby” from its German composer Johannes Brahms. You may not know all the lyrics, but you better learn soon because this lullaby is one of those that your baby should hear.
Lullaby, and good night, in the skies stars, are bright.
May the moon’s silvery beams bring you sweet dreams.
Close your eyes now and rest, may these hours be blessed.
‘Til the sky’s bright with dawn when you wake with a yawn.
Lullaby, and good night, you are mother’s delight.
I’ll protect you from harm, and you’ll wake in my arms.
Sleepyhead, close your eyes, for I’m right beside you.
Guardian angels are near, so sleep without fear.
Lullaby, and good night, with roses bedight.
Lilies o’er head lay thee down in thy bed.
Lullaby, and good night, you are mother’s delight.
I’ll protect you from harm, and you’ll wake in my arms.
Lullaby, and sleep tight, my darling sleeping.
On sheets white as cream, with a head full of dreams.
Sleepyhead, close your eyes, I’m right beside you.
Lay thee down now and rest, may your slumber be blessed.
Go to sleep, little one, think of puppies and kittens.
Go to sleep, little one, think of butterflies in spring.
Go to sleep, little one, think of sunny bright mornings.
Hush, darling one, sleep through the night,
Sleep through the night,
Sleep through the night.
Good Night, Sleep Tight
This song makes it to the list of most-loved lullaby of all time. It’s easy and to the point, saying goodnight to your baby while promising a new, beautiful day! And the lyrics is not that long, any mother would surely remember this rhyme in no time.
Good night, sleep tight,
Don’t let the bedbugs bite
Wake up bright
In the morning light
To do what’s right
With all your might.
All The Pretty Horses
This song has a more dark and creepy Irish origin, but the more popular version today talks more about a happier tune of promising your baby all the pretty horses – “Blacks and bays, dapples and grays” – when they wake up in the morning. This is also a classic that’s easy to learn and the melody is very easy to follow.
Hush-a-bye, don’t you cry.
Go to sleepy little baby.
When you wake, you shall have,
All the pretty little horses.
Blacks and bays, dapples and grays,
Coach and six-a-little horses.
Hush-a-bye, don’t you cry.
Go to sleepy little baby.
La La Lu
This is probably the easiest lullaby to sing to your little one. La la lu, la la lu … that’s pretty much all you need to remember to sing this very soothing lullaby. This song is one of Disney’s classics from the Lady and the Tramp that sure to be among your baby’s favorites.
La la lu, La la lu,
Oh, my little star sweeper,
I’ll sweep the stardust for you,
La la lu, La la lu,
Little soft fluffy sleeper,
Here comes a pink cloud for you
You’ll be in my heart
Songs from Disney movies are also famous choices to put babies to sleep. The song “You’ll be in my Heart” from Tarzan is one of the famous ballads often used as a lullaby.
Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don’t you cry
For one so small
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can’t be broken
I will be here don’t you cry
‘Cause you’ll be in my heart
Yes, you’ll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You’ll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You’ll be here in my heart
Always
The Alphabet Song
The Alphabet Song is sung to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” but it is used to teach kids how to spell the alphabet. And guess what? It’s also a famous lullaby to help your babies rest, relax and sleep.
A-B-C-D-E-F-G,
H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P,
Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y and Z.
Now I know my A-B-Cs,
Next time won’t you sing with me.
Here Comes the Sun
This George Harrison song sang by The Beatles has put many babies to sleep over the years since it was released in 1969.
Here comes the sun (doo doo doo doo)
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s all right
Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s all right
Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s all right
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been clear
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s all right
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s all right
It’s all right
What a Wonderful World
This classic jazz by Louis Armstrong is also a famous song adopted as a lullaby by both moms and dads. The slow, smooth melody is sure to put your baby to sleep.
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They’re really saying I love you
I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more than I’ll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world
Baaa, baa black sheep
This famous nursery rhyme is also sung for babies with its easy tune and melody.
Baa baa black sheep have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir three bags full
One for the master
One for the dame
And one for the little boy
Who lives down the lane
Little Boy Blue
Little boy blue is a country song of a country boy and his herd of sheep. The earliest printed version of the nursery rhyme is said to be dated 1744, alluded in one of Shakespeare’s famous works “King Lear.” Several variations and changes happened until it the easy lullaby now that mothers around the world use to sing baby’s to sleep.
Little Boy Blue,
Come blow your horn.
The sheep’s in the meadow,
The cow’s in the corn;
Where is the boy
Who looks after the sheep?
He’s under the haystack fast asleep.
Will you wake him?
Oh no not I,
for if I do he will surely cry.
Will you wake him?
Oh no not I,
for if I do he will surely cry.
Little Boy Blue,
Come blow your horn.
The sheep’s in the meadow,
The cow’s in the corn;
Where is the boy
Who looks after the sheep?
He’s under the haystack fast asleep.
Little Bo Peep
Another country song but originally about a girl who lost her sheep. The version that we have now is about a boy and his lost sheep, a favorite subject in many English lullabies.
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And doesn’t know where to find them
Leave them alone
And they will come home
Wagging their tails behind them
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And doesn’t know where to find them
Leave them alone
And they will come home
Wagging their tails behind them
Moon River
This Audrey Hepburn song in the iconic movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was composed by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer. One of the mother’s favorite lullabies from then until now.
Moon river wider than a mile
I’m crossing you in style someday (someday, day)
A dream maker (maker, maker)
My heartbreaker (you heartbreaker)
Wherever you’re goin’, I’m goin’ that way (the same, the same)
Two drifters off to see the world
There’s such a crazy world to see
We’re all chasin’ after all the same
Chasing after our rainbow’s end
Moon river wider than a mile
Crossin’ in style someday
My dream maker
Heartbreaker
Wherever you’re going I’m going the same
Two drifters off to see the world
It’s such a crazy world you’ll see (What I see, who I become)
What I see, who I become
We’re all chasin’ after our end
Chasin’ after our ends
Life’s just around the bend, my friend
Moon river and me
Clementine
Nevermind the tragic lyrics of this song. The slow tempo and rhythm of this song will guarantee sweet dreams to your little one.
In a cavern, in a canyon,
Excavating for a mine
Dwelt a miner forty-niner,
And his daughter Clementine
Chorus:
Oh my darling, oh my darling,
Oh my darling, Clementine!
Thou art lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
Light she was and like a fairy,
And her shoes were number nine,
Herring boxes, without tops,
Sandals were for Clementine. –Chor.
Drove she ducklings to the water
Ev’ry morning just at nine,
Hit her foot against a splinter,
Fell into the foaming brine. — Chor.
Ruby lips above the water,
Blowing bubbles, soft and fine,
But, alas, I was no swimmer,
So I lost my Clementine. — Chor.
How I missed her! How I missed her,
How I missed my Clementine,
But I kissed her little sister,
I forgot my Clementine. — Chor.
Little Snowflake
Another lovely lullaby that will surely send your baby to dreamland. The “Little Snowflake” is a rhyme that tells the story of a snowman brought to life by the magic of snowfall.
Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake.
Little snowflake falling from the sky.
Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake.
Falling, falling, falling, falling, falling,
falling, falling, falling, falling…falling on my head.
Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake.
Little snowflake falling from the sky.
Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake.
Falling, falling, falling, falling, falling,
falling, falling, falling, falling…falling on my nose.
Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake.
Little snowflake falling from the sky.
Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake.
Falling, falling, falling, falling, falling,
falling, falling, falling, falling…falling in my hand.
Falling on my head.
Falling on my nose.
Falling in my hand.
Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake …
A mother’s voice has a soothing effect on babies making it the easiest way to calm a baby, make them feel comfortable and also put them to sleep. Singing lullabies is believed to be one of the best ways to put your baby to sleep.
Some of the most famous lullabies are “Twinkle, twinkle, little star,” “Hush Little Baby,” and “Cradle Song” or “Brahms’ Lullaby.” Kinderzeit.org has a list of other famous lullabies and its lyrics.
“Twinkle, twinkle, little star,” “Hush Little Baby,” and “Cradle Song” or “Brahms’ Lullaby” are some of the top lullabies. Kinderzeit.org has a great selection of top lullabies for your baby, plus lyrics.