Lullabies: Bedtime Songs and Rhymes for Babies
26 rhymes with full lyrics
Lullabies are the slow, gentle songs parents have sung to settle babies for centuries. A steady rocking rhythm, soft repeated words and a simple tune help a baby's breathing and heartbeat slow down, which is why the same few songs turn up in almost every family.
Below are the classic English lullabies with their complete words. Each page also covers where the song comes from and gentle ways to use it at bedtime.
A Glass of Milk and a Slice of BreadA glass of milk and a slice of breadAll the Pretty Little HorsesHushabyBye, Baby BuntingBye, baby buntingCome to the Window, My Baby, With MeCome to the windowCome, Let's to Bed"To bed! To bed!"Croodlin' DooHo, pretty bee, did you see my croodlin' doo?Dance a Baby DiddyDance a Baby DiddyDiddle Diddle DumplingDiddle diddle dumpling, my son JohnGo to Bed First, a Golden PurseGo to bed first, a golden purseHey, My Kitten, My KittenHey, my kitten, my kittenHush-a-bye, Baby, Lie Still with Thy DaddyHush-a-bye, baby, lie still with thy daddyHush, Baby, My DollHush, baby, my doll, I pray you, don't cryHush, Baby, My DollyHush, baby, my dolly, I pray you don't cryI See the MoonI see the moon, and the moon sees meLavender's BlueLavender's blue, diddle, diddle!Little FredWhen little Fred went to bedRock-a-Bye BabyRock-a-bye, baby, on the treetopRock-a-Bye, Baby, Thy Cradle Is GreenRock-a-bye, baby, thy cradle is greenSleep, Baby, SleepSleep, baby, sleepSweet and LowSweet and low, sweet and lowThe Man in the Moon Looked Out of the MoonThe Man in the Moon looked out of the moonThe North Wind Doth BlowThe north wind doth blowThe Rock-a-By LadyThe Rock-a-By Lady from Hushaby streetTwinkle Twinkle Little StarTwinkle, twinkle, little starWee Willie WinkieWee Willie Winkie runs through the townWinkum, WinkumWinkum, winkum, shut your eye
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous lullaby?
In English, Rock-a-Bye Baby and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star are the best known. Worldwide, Brahms' Lullaby is often called the most famous lullaby melody.
Why do lullabies help babies sleep?
Lullabies are slow, repetitive and predictable. Singing the same song in the same calm way every night becomes a signal that it is time to sleep, and a soft familiar voice is soothing on its own.
When should I start singing lullabies?
From birth. Newborns recognize their parents' voices, and it does not matter whether you can sing well. A quiet, steady voice is what counts.