If you’re looking for lullaby lyrics, you’re probably either cradling your precious bundle of joy or sneaking in a few minutes of reading between feeds and diaper changes.
I get it; the days are long, and the nights are longer.
Here’s a handy guide to 35 of the best lullaby lyrics.
1. “You Are My Sunshine”
You are my sunshineMy only sunshineYou make me happyWhen skies are grayYou'll never know, dearHow much I love youPlease don't takeMy sunshine away
This is a cherished classic that tugs at the heartstrings. It’s the perfect song to remind your baby how much they mean to you.
The Christina Perri version is so lovely to listen to!
2. “All Is Found”
Where the North wind meets the seaThere's a river full of memorySleep, my darling, safe and soundFor in this river, all is foundIn her waters, deep and trueLie the answers and a path for youDive down deep into her soundBut not too far or you'll be drownedYes, she will sing to those who'll hearAnd in her song, all magic flowsBut can you brave what you most fear?Can you face what the river knows?Where the North wind meets the seaThere's a mother full of memoryCome, my darling, homeward boundWhen all is lost, then all is found
This lullaby from the movie Frozen 2 was a staple for me with my second, and now my third, child. It’s soothing and will lull your little one right to sleep.
3. “I Cross My Heart”
Our love is unconditionalWe knew it from the startI see it in your eyesYou can feel it from my heartFrom here on afterLet's stay the way we are right nowAnd share all the love and laughterThat a lifetime will allowI cross my heartAnd promise toGive all I've got to giveTo make all your dreams come trueIn all the worldYou'll never findA love as true as mine
The song “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait was our exclusive lullaby with our firstborn for no less than two years straight.
Every single night, my husband would sing this song to our daughter, and she couldn’t go to bed without it.
It may not be seen as a classic lullaby, but if you’re a country fan, it will get you right in the feels.
4. “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
Twinkle, twinkle, little starHow I wonder what you areUp above the world so highLike a diamond in the skyTwinkle, twinkle, little starHow I wonder what you are
Who doesn’t love this timeless, universal lullaby that has been comforting little ones for generations?
The simplicity of this one is what makes it a winner.
5. “When You Wish Upon a Star”
When you wish upon a starMakes no difference who you areAnything your heart desiresWill come to you
“When You Wish Upon a Star” is such a timeless Disney classic.
Whether you’re a Disney fan or just love a good, calming tune, this lullaby is perfect for helping your little one drift off to sleep with an added sprinkle of magic.
6. “Rock-a-Bye Baby”
Rock a bye baby, on the tree top,When the wind blows the cradle will rock.When the bough breaks the cradle will fall,And down will come baby, cradle and all.
“Rock-a-Bye Baby” is another classic lullaby that has stood the test of time. Mothers have been singing this and rocking their children to sleep for generations.
The full lullaby is in this book, Sing to Sleep. I love books like this, and so do my kiddos.
When I turn the page and start singing, they’re a little confused at first. Why is Mom singing and not speaking?
But the more we do it, the more they absolutely love it. It’s such a sweet bedtime ritual.
7. “Hush, Little Baby”
Hush, little baby don't say a wordMama's gonna buy you a mocking birdAnd if that mocking bird don't singMama's gonna buy you a diamond ringAnd if that diamond ring is brassMama's gonna buy you a looking glass
If you find yourself improvising the lyrics to this classic lullaby, you’re not alone!
Sometimes the exact lyrics slip away, but it’s the warmth in your voice and the heart behind the song that matters.
Comment your weirdest made-up verse below!!
9 Things I Wish I’d Had in My New Mom Care Package
8. “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep”
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 boyWho lives down the lane
A nursery rhyme with a simple yet catchy tune to help you snuggle up to your baby.
This has been our middle son’s favorite tune for as long as I can remember!
9. “Lullaby and Goodnight”
Lullaby and good night, with roses bedight,With lilies o'er spread 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.Lullaby and good night, thy mother's delight.Bright angels beside my darling abide.They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my breast.They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my breast.
You may not recognize the title – or even the lyrics – of this song, but you’ve definitely heard it before. It’s also known as “Brahms’ Lullaby” or “The Cradle Song.”
The original is a classical violin masterpiece composed by Johannes Brahms. I normally like lullaby remakes even better, but in this case, the original composition is just beautiful.
10. “Lavender’s Blue”
Lavender's blue, dilly dilly,Lavender's greenWhen I am King, dilly dilly,You shall be Queen
This lullaby originally came from the 1948 Disney film So Dear to My Heart, but the newer version is from the 2015 Cinderella soundtrack.
It’s so soothing for little ears, and it’s easy to sing.
11. “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes”
A dream is a wish your heart makesWhen you're fast asleepIn dreams you will lose your heartachesWhatever you wish for, you keepHave faith in your dreams and somedayYour rainbow will come smiling throughNo matter how your heart is grievingIf you keep on believingThe dream that you wish will come true
A Disney classic from the original Cinderella, this song has become a timeless favorite.
Its tender melody paired with meaningful lyrics makes it a popular choice for bedtime.
12. “Hushabye Mountain”
A gentle breeze from Hushabye MountainSoftly blows o'er Lullaby BayIt fills the sails of boats that are waitingWaiting to sail your worries awayIt isn't far to Hushabye MountainAnd your boat waits down by the quayThe winds of night so softly are sighingSoon they will fly your troubles to seaSo close your eyes on Hushabye MountainWave goodbye to cares of the dayAnd watch your boat from Hushabye MountainSail far away from Lullaby Bay
This one dates back to the 1968 movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Dick Van Dyke sings it to his kids while they are falling asleep.
The lyrics paint a serene picture with the breeze carrying the day’s worries away.
13. “Stay Awake”
Stay awake don't rest your headDon't lie down upon your bedWhile the moon drifts in the skiesStay awake don't close your eyesThough the world is fast asleepThough your pillow soft and deepYou're not sleepy as you seemStay awake, don't nod and dreamStay awake, don't nod and dream
A popular lullaby from the classic movie Mary Poppins, sung by the legendary Julie Andrews.
Jane and Michael don’t want to go to bed, but when Mary starts singing “Stay Awake,” they start falling asleep.
Reverse psychology at its finest!
14. “Baby Mine”
Baby mine, don't you cryBaby mine, dry your eyesRest your head close to my heartNever to part, baby of mineLittle one when you playDon't you mind what you sayLet those eyes sparkle and shineNever a tear, baby of mine
A soft and sweet lullaby from the classic Disney film Dumbo.
The lyrics express a mother’s deep love and reassurance to her little one, which is why I love this choice for a bedtime lullaby.
15. “Bye, Baby Bunting”
Bye, baby Bunting,Daddy’s gone a-hunting,Gone to get a rabbit skinTo wrap the baby Bunting in
This one is an English-language nursery rhyme and lullaby, loved for its simplicity.
Its super short verse is easy to remember and perfect for a quick and soothing sing-along.
16. “Golden Slumbers”
Once there was a wayTo get back homewardOnce there was a wayTo get back homeSleep, pretty darling, do not cryAnd I will sing a lullabyGolden slumbers fill your eyesSmiles await you when you riseSleep pretty darling, do not cryAnd I will sing a lullaby
One of my favorite – and most popular – versions of the song “Golden Slumbers” is by The Beatles.
I love the soft lyrics and the gentle tone that this melody has. You can find several different remixes.
A newer one that I’m also in love with is Jennifer Hudson’s version from the film Sing.
17. “Boy”
Boy, you're gonna know it allYou'll think you're ten feet tallAnd run like you're bulletproofAnd total a car or twoBoy, you're gonna hate this townWish you could burn it downThat fire in your eyes is twenty counties wideBut boy, you're gonna love seventeenAnd boy, you'll do some stupid thingsYou're gonna drive and kissAnd throw a punchAnd grow up way too fastYou're gonna drop the ballHit the wallAnd break some hearts like glassI know you will, 'cause you're a part of meAnd a part of you will always be a boy
Although not technically a lullaby, the slow melody of this country song by Lee Brice is soothing enough for bedtime.
It’s also a real tear-jerker for my husband, who can hardly make it through the song without losing it!
18. “Moon River”
Moon river, wider than a mileI'm crossing you in style some dayOh, dream maker, you heart breakerWherever you're goin', I'm goin' your wayTwo drifters, off to see the worldThere's such a lot of world to seeWe're after the same rainbow's endWaitin' 'round the bendMy huckleberry friendMoon river and me
Originally sung by Audrey Hepburn in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the song’s poetic lyrics and soothing melody make it a delightful choice for a bedtime lullaby.
Many people have covered this song, but there’s nothing quite like Audrey singing it herself.
19. “Beautiful Dreamer”
Beautiful Dreamer, wake unto me,Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,Lull'd by the moonlight have all passed away!Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,List while I woo thee with soft melody;Gone are the cares of life's busy throngBeautiful dreamer, awake unto me!Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
This song has such a beautiful tune. The lyrics are filled with dreamy sentiments perfect to sing at bedtime.
20. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
Someday I'll wish upon a starWake up where the clouds are far behind meWhere trouble melts like lemon dropsHigh above the chimney tops, that's whereYou'll find meOh, somewhere over the rainbowBlue birds flyAnd the dream that you dare toOh, why, oh, why can't I?
Surely, you’ve heard the original version that came out of The Wizard of Oz, but the sweet Hawaiian remake by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole is perfect for serenading your little one to sleep.
21. “Dream a Little Dream of Me”
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
Another classic lullaby that has been redone by many. The Michael Bublé version is by far my favorite version of this one.
22. “Edelweiss”
Edelweiss, edelweissEvery morning you greet meSmall and white, clean and brightYou look happy to meet meBlossom of snow, may you bloom and growBloom and grow foreverEdelweiss, edelweissBless my homeland forever
This song comes from The Sound of Music soundtrack.
In the movie, Captain von Trapp sings the song with his family, but I also love the JJ Heller version as a lullaby. It’s very calming and would put a baby right to sleep.
23. “You’ll Be in My Heart”
Come stop your cryingIt will be alrightJust take my handHold it tightI will protect youFrom all around youI will be hereDon't you cryFor one so smallYou seem so strongMy arms will hold youKeep you safe and warmThis bond between usCan't be brokenI will be here don't you cry'Cause you'll be in my heartYes, you'll be in my heartFrom this day onNow and forever more
“You’ll Be in My Heart” was the animated movie Tarzan‘s featured track, and it earned Phil Collins an Oscar for best original song.
This song brings tears to my eyes as it is, but there’s a lullaby version that is absolutely perfect for lulling your little one to sleep. The Christina Perri version is perfectly soothing!
24. “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
Like a river flowsSurely to the seaDarling, so it goesSome things, you know, are meant to beTake my handTake my whole life tooFor I can't help falling in love with you
This classic by Elvis Presley isn’t just a timeless love ballad but also a beautiful choice for a calming lullaby.
There are several lullaby renditions of the song (Kacey Musgraves has a killer rendition), but the original version is still so good for little ones because Elvis’ voice is velvety smooth and has a way of calming.
25. “What A Wonderful World”
I see trees of greenRed roses tooI see them bloomFor me and youAnd I think to myselfWhat a wonderful world......I hear babies cryI watch them growThey'll learn much moreThan I'll ever knowAnd I think to myselfWhat a wonderful world
This is such a soulful serenade that delivers a message of beauty and hope, which makes bedtime a special moment.
It’s another one that you can find lullaby versions of, but Louis Armstrong’s version is a classic and just as soothing for bedtime.
26. “Pure Imagination”
Come with me and you'll beIn a world of pure imaginationTake a look and you'll seeInto your imagination
An enchanting melody from Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. It has a magical quality to it that brings out feelings of youth and joyfulness.
The Josh Groban version has a lovely lullaby feel to it and is honestly just nice to listen to any time of day!
27. “All the Pretty Horses”
Hush-a-bye, don't you cryGo to sleep you little babyWhen you wake, you will have cakeAnd all the pretty little horses
“All the Pretty Horses,” also known as “Hush-a-bye” has been adapted by many different artists over the years and has even inspired an American novel and movie.
The melody of this one feels almost mystical, which is perfect for a nightly serenade.
I really love the version of this song that’s on the Storypod craftie Sleepi Sheep. It’s the perfect audio for lulling your little one to sleep.
Get my full Storypod review here.
28. “Sleep, Baby, Sleep”
Sleep, baby, sleepYour father tends the sheepYour mother shakes the dreamland treeAnd from it fall sweet dreams for theeSleep, baby, sleepSleep, baby, sleepSleep, baby, sleepOur cottage vale is deepThe little lamb is on the greenWith snowy fleece so soft and cleanSleep, baby, sleepSleep, baby, sleep
A timeless lullaby with plenty of playful and adorable renditions. Pinkfong has a cute version of this on YouTube to put on for the littles.
29. “The Evening Prayer” (When At Night I Go to Sleep)
When at night I go to sleepFourteen angels watch do keepTwo my head are guardingTwo my feet are guidingTwo are on my right handTwo are on my left handTwo who warmly coverTwo who o’er me hoverTwo to whom ’tis givenTo guide my steps to heaven
This one originally comes from the opera Hansel and Gretel. It’s enchanting and serene and another great song for bedtime.
30. “Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral”
Over in Killarney, many years agoMe Mother sang a song to me in tones so sweet and low,Just a simple little ditty, in her good ould Irish way,And I'd give the world if she could singThat song to me this day.Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,Too-ra-loo-ra-li,Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,Hush, now, don't you cry!Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,Too-ra-loo-ra-li,Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,That's an Irish lullaby.
This is an old-time Irish-American lullaby that dates back to the 1800s but was then brought back to fame by Bing Crosby in 1944.
It has a really slow but sweet melody that creates a calming bedtime environment for a baby.
31. “The Cuckoo Is a Pretty Bird”
The cuckoo she’s a pretty bird,She sings as she flies,She brings us glad tidings,And tells us no lies.She sucks on pretty flowers,To make her voice clear,She never sings cuckoo,Till spring of the year.
The cuckoo bird is traditionally a symbol of love, which makes this song so sweet. It’s traditionally an English folk song that has been sung in the US a lot as well.
32. “Hush, My Dear”
Hush, my dear, lie still and slumber,Holy angels guard thy bed,Heav’nly blessings without number,Gently falling on thy head.
This lullaby is a religious hymn and it’s perfect for rocking your baby to sleep during the holiday season.
33. “All Through the Night”
Sleep my child and peace attend thee,All through the nightGuardian angels God will send thee,All through the nightSoft the drowsy hours are creeping,Hill and dale in slumber sleepingI my loved ones' watch am keeping,All through the night
Originally a Welsh lullaby, this charmer also transforms into a beautiful Christmas carol.
The song has seen several renditions by stars like Olivia Newton-John and Michael McDonald.
34. “Slumber My Darling”
Slumber, my darling, the birds are at rest,The wandering dews by the flow'rs are caressed,Slumber, my darling, I'll wrap thee up warm,And pray that the angels will shield thee from harm
Another classic that is elegant, simple, and delicate. I also really enjoyed Alison Krauss singing it.
35. “All the World Is Sleeping”
Go to sleep upon my breast,All the world is sleeping,‘Till the morning's light you'll rest,Mother's watch is keeping.Birds and beasts have closed their eyes,All the world is sleeping.In the morn the sun will rise,Mothers watch is keeping.
Another traditional Welsh lullaby for the list. Its sweet melody is perfect for naptime or bedtime.
Conclusion
With these lullaby lyrics at your fingertips, you’ll always have a sweet serenade to soothe your baby to sleep. Don’t forget you can listen to all of these songs on the Spotify playlist I made for you:
Wishing you and your little one many peaceful nights and sweet lullabies.
