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.
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” Lyrics
Rock-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.
Read This Next
Think 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” Lyrics
Now 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” Lyrics
Lullaby 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” Lyrics
Twinkle, 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” Lyrics
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 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” Lyrics
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.
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” Lyrics
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
“Brother John” Lyrics
Are 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” Lyrics
Swing 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” Lyrics
Star 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” Lyrics
Somewhere 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)” Lyrics
Goodnight, 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” Lyrics
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.
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” Lyrics
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.
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” Lyrics
Hush, 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” Lyrics
Row, 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” Lyrics
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
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” Lyrics
Isn'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)” Lyrics
Close 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” Lyrics
Go 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” Lyrics
Stay 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lullaby?
A lullaby is a soothing song you can sing to help calm and comfort your baby. Lullabies are often used as part of a bedtime routine to encourage your baby to sleep.
Can I make up my own lullaby for my baby?
Of course! You can make up a special lullaby just for your baby or family. Your personal lullaby can create a unique and meaningful moment in your daily routine.
When should I start singing lullabies to my baby?
You can sing or play lullabies for your baby from birth, or you can add a lullaby to your routine at any time.
Yes 
No 
Trending On What to Expect
