Many parents sing to their child at bedtime; I think this is one of the most beautiful expressions of love and something our children will fondly remember. But have you ever wondered where these songs came from?

Origin of Lullabies

Lullabies or berceuse, a French word which means "cradle song," is believed to have emerged from the 19th century. It is a song or an instrumental music usually in 6/8 time that is sung or performed to lull a child to sleep.

Lullabies are most often played on the piano and has a rhythmic pattern (somewhat like being rocked steadily) that is repeated throughout the composition. One good example of this is Frederick Chopin's "Berceuse opus 57."

Famous Musicians Who Wrote Lullabies

Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin
Robert Schumann
Franz Liszt
Johannes Brahms
Claude Debussy
Edvard Grieg

Our Favorite Lullabies

Lullabies have been handed down from generation to generation; it will continue to live in our hearts and memories. Here are several of our favorite lullabies along with lyrics, midi sample and links to free sheet music. Sweet dreams.

All Through the Night - An ancient Welsh folk song, the English lyrics were written by Harold Boulton.

Sleep my child and peace attend thee,
All through the night
Guardian angels God will send thee,
All through the night
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping,
I my loving vigil keeping
All through the night.

While the moon her watch is keeping
All through the night
While the weary world is sleeping
All through the night
O'er they spirit gently stealing
Visions of delight revealing
Breathes a pure and holy feeling
All through the night.

Love, to thee my thoughts are turning
All through the night
All for thee my heart is yearning,
All through the night.
Though sad fate our lives may sever
Parting will not last forever,
There's a hope that leaves me never,
All through the night.

Music Sample from YouTube
Sheet Music

Lullaby and Goodnight - This is a German song originally written by Johannes Brahms; also known as "Brahms' Lullaby."

Lullaby, and good night,
With pink roses bedight,
With lilies o'erspread,
Is my baby's sweet head.
Lay you down now, and rest,
May your slumber be blessed!
Lay you down now, and rest,
May thy slumber be blessed!

Lullaby, and good night,
You're your mother's delight,
Shining angels beside
My darling abide.
Soft and warm is your bed,
Close your eyes and rest your head.
Soft and warm is your bed,
Close your eyes and rest your head.

Sleepyhead, close your eyes.
Mother's right here beside you.
I'll protect you from harm,
You will wake in my arms.
Guardian angels are near,
So sleep on, with no fear.
Guardian angels are near,
So sleep on, with no fear.

Lullaby, and sleep tight.
Hush! My darling is sleeping,
On his sheets white as cream,
With his head full of dreams.
When the sky's bright with dawn,
He will wake in the morning.
When noontide warms the world,
He will frolic in the sun.

Music Sample from YouTube
Free Sheet Music

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