mother with newborn singing lullaby mother with newborn singing lullaby

Best Baby Lullaby Songs – Lyrics to Popular Bedtime Lullabies for Baby To Go To Sleep

As mamas, we all know the importance of having a few go-to lullabies to help soothe our little ones to sleep. Whether it’s the middle of the night and you’re trying to get your baby back to sleep, or you’re trying to get your toddler to relax before bed, lullabies can be a lifesaver. But have you ever wondered about the history of lullabies and how they came to be so important in helping babies fall asleep?

The word “lullaby” comes from the Middle English word “lullen” meaning “to rock to sleep” and “by” meaning “a song”, thus a song to rock to sleep. Lullabies have been around for centuries and have been passed down through generations of parents and caregivers. They were initially sung to soothe and comfort babies, and it is believed that the melody and rhythm of a lullaby can mimic the sound of a mother’s heartbeat, which is comforting for babies.

In different cultures around the world, lullabies have been an integral part of the bedtime routine for babies. From traditional nursery rhymes in Europe, to soothing ballads in America, to melodic chants in Africa, lullabies have been used to help babies fall asleep for centuries.

As mamas, we all have our own personal favorites and traditions when it comes to lullabies. Some of us may prefer singing classic nursery rhymes, while others may prefer contemporary songs. But no matter what our personal preferences may be, one thing is for sure: lullabies have a special power to soothe and comfort our little ones, helping them fall asleep peacefully.

So next time you’re singing a lullaby to your little one, take a moment to appreciate the history and tradition behind it. It’s a special moment shared between a parent and child, and it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of.

Next, I’ll be sharing 10 popular and beloved baby lullaby songs, along with the lyrics and a bit of history on each one. Whether you’re looking for classic nursery rhymes or contemporary songs, you’re sure to find something that will become a favorite for your little one (and you!)

“Rock-a-bye Baby”

This classic nursery rhyme has been around for centuries and is still a favorite among many parents. The lyrics tell the story of a baby being rocked to sleep in a tree, with the gentle swaying of the branches keeping the baby safe and sound. The origins of the song are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in England in the 18th century.

Lyrics:

Rock-a-bye baby, on the treetop

When the wind blows, the cradle will rock

When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall

And down will come baby, cradle and all

“Hush Little Baby”

Another classic nursery rhyme, “Hush Little Baby” is a soothing song that promises a variety of gifts to a baby if they will just hush and fall asleep. The origins of the song are also uncertain, but it is believed to have been passed down through generations of parents and caregivers.

Lyrics:

Hush little baby, don’t say a word

Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird

And if that mockingbird don’t sing

Papa’s gonna buy you a diamond ring

And if that diamond ring turns 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 don’t pull

Papa’s gonna buy you a cart and bull

And if that cart and bull fall down

You’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

This classic nursery rhyme is based on a poem by Jane Taylor, published in 1806. The lyrics tell the story of a shining star up in the sky, and the song has been a favorite among parents and children for centuries.

Lyrics:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star

How I wonder what you are

Up above the world so high

Like a diamond in the sky

Twinkle, twinkle, little star

How I wonder what you are

“All the Pretty Little Horses”

This lullaby is a traditional American folk song, and it’s believed to have originated with African American slaves in the southern United States. The lyrics tell the story of a baby being rocked to sleep by horses, with the gentle swaying of their tails keeping the baby safe and sound.

Lyrics:

Hush-a-bye

Don’t you cry

Go to sleep my little baby


When you wake,

You shall have

All the pretty little horses

Dapples and Greys

Pinto’s and bays

All the pretty little horses

Way down yonder In the meadow

Poor little baby crying mamma

Birds and the butterflies

Flutter round his eyes

Poor little baby crying mamma

Hush-a-bye, don’t you cry

Go to sleep my little baby

When you wake

You shall have

All the pretty little horses

Dapples and greys

Pinto’s and bays

All the pretty little horses

“Brahms’ Lullaby”

“Brahms’ Lullaby” was composed by Johannes Brahms in 1868 and is also known as “Lullaby” and “Wiegenlied”. The melody is based on a traditional German folksong, and the lyrics tell the story of a baby being rocked to sleep

Lyrics:

Lullaby and goodnight, with roses bedight

With lilies o’erspread is baby’s wee bed

Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed

Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed

“You Are My Sunshine”

“You Are My Sunshine” is a popular song that was first recorded by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell in 1939. The song was written by Davis, who was a country music singer and governor of Louisiana. It became a hit for Davis and has since been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash.

Johnny Cash, the country music legend, recorded his version of the song in 1963, and it was included in his album “Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash”. He sang it in his characteristic deep baritone and gave it a country-folk touch. Cash’s version of the song has become a favorite among his fans and is considered one of his classic performances.

The song is often used as a lullaby, due to its soothing melody and comforting lyrics. The lyrics express the singer’s love for someone and how that person brings light and happiness into their life, just like sunshine. This comforting message is what makes the song a perfect choice as a lullaby.

Lyrics:

The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping

I dreamed I held you in my arms

When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken

So I hung my head and cried

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are gray

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 some day

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are gray

You’ll never know dear, how much I love you

Please don’t take my sunshine away

“Rock-a-bye Baby”

The origins of “Rock-a-bye Baby” are not entirely clear. The melody of the song is believed to be of English origin, and it has been known by many different names over the years. The earliest known version of the lyrics appeared in a 1765 publication called “Mother Goose’s Melody”, which is considered to be one of the first collections of nursery rhymes. The meaning of the lyrics is also unclear, some scholars suggested that the song is a reference to a parent who would protect their child while they sleep, while others suggest that the song is a reference to the dangers of infant mortality. The song has been passed down through generations, and it continues to be a popular lullaby and nursery rhyme today.

Lyrics:

Rock-a-bye baby,

on the treetop

When the wind blows, the cradle will rock

When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall

Down will come baby, cradle and all

Rock-a-bye baby, on the treetop

When the wind blows, the cradle will rock

When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall

Down will come baby, cradle and all

Rock-a-bye baby, on the treetop

When the wind blows, the cradle will rock

When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall

Down will come baby, cradle and all

“Goodnight, My Angel”

This lullaby was written and performed by Billy Joel for his daughter Alexa Ray Joel. The song is a beautiful ballad with lyrics that express a father’s love for his child, and the desire for her to have sweet dreams.

Lyrics:

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 that will be a lullaby

“Dream a Little Dream of Me”

This classic song was first recorded by Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra in 1931, and has since been covered by many artists. The lyrics express a desire for a loved one to dream of the singer while they sleep.

Lyrics:

Stars shining bright above you

Night breezes seem to whisper “I love you”

Birds singing in the sycamore tree

Dream a little dream of me

“Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)”

This lullaby is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1993 as a single from his album River of Dreams. The song is a beautiful ballad with lyrics that express a father’s love for his child, and the desire for her to have sweet dreams.

Lyrics:

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 ocean

Is a secret sleep

Lullabies are a timeless and wonderful way to soothe your little one to sleep. Whether you’re looking for a classic nursery rhyme or a contemporary song, these 10 popular lullabies are sure to become favorites for you and your baby. Singing along to these lullabies can be a special bonding time for both you and your child and will be a beautiful memory to cherish forever.

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