Lullaby Lyrics for Babies to Sleep
Your little one is fresh from the bath, wrapped in soft pajamas, tucked in their cozy baby bassinet crib—and completely wide awake. This scenario is all too common for parents, whether you’ve just welcomed your first child or you’re on baby number four.
Coaxing your little one to sleep can be a challenging task, and when baby isn’t sleeping, you aren’t either. Luckily, nursery rhymes and baby go hand-in-hand.
To make sure every member of the family is getting their shuteye at night, warm up those vocal cords and belt out some of the world’s most popular lullaby lyrics.
Need a refresher? Relearn the classic baby lyrics that remind you of your own childhood or brush up on baby lyrics with a funny tilt—and prepare for that megawatt smile from your little one. From soothing lullabies to long lullaby song lyrics to help baby go to sleep, we’ve got all the classics need to relax your baby.
When the sun goes down and it's time for rest, pull out these handy lullaby lyrics and give your little one a comfy place to sleep in the Lotus Crib or Bassinet for newborns.
Use this jump list to shoot right to your favorites or browse all 10 of our favorite baby lullabies.
Type 01: Classic Lullabies
Type 02: Soothing Lullabies
Type 03: Funny Lullabies
Type 04: Long Lullabies
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lullaby type 01
Classic Lullabies
Keep traditional lullabies alive and thriving. Croon some of these classic lullaby lyrics to help your baby drift off to a restful sleep. Catching on to these lyrics should be a piece of cake—they were likely a staple of your own nighttime ritual during those early years.
Baa Baa Black Sheep
Lullaby Lyrics:
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three bags full!
One for the master,
One for the dame,
And one for the little boy
Who lives down the lane
Baa, baa, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three bags full.
Baa, baa, white sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three needles full.
One to mend a jumper,
One to mend a frock,
And one for the little girl,
With holes in her sock.
Baa, baa, white sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three needles full.
Baa, baa, grey sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three bags full.
One for the kitten,
One for the cats,
And one for the owner,
To knit some woolly hats.
Baa, baa, brown sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three bags full.
One for the mammy,
One for the daddy
And one for the little baby
Who lives down the lane.
Baa, baa, bare sheep,
Have you any wool?
No sir, no sir,
No bags full.
None for the master,
None for the dame,
And none for the little boy
Who lives down the lane.
Baa, baa, bare sheep,
Have you any wool?
No sir, no sir,
No bags full.
Why Parents and Babies Love It:
What little one doesn’t delight in the “baa baa” sound? With easy repetition and fun rhymes, this baby lullaby is a classic for a reason.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Lullaby Lyrics:
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
When the blazing sun is gone
When he nothing shines upon
Then you show your little light
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are
Why Parents and Babies Love It:
This popular English lullaby is beloved by little ones and parents alike. With fun hand gestures and a rich history (this lullaby actually comes from an early 19th century poem!), this is one lullaby you simply must include in bedtime fun.
Brahms Lullaby
Lullaby Lyrics:
Lullaby and goodnight, 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 goodnight, 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
Why Parents and Babies Love It:
Also known as “Lullaby and Good Night”, Brahms Lullaby is the quintessential classic lullaby. This song, originally titled “Wiegenlied: Guten Abend, gute Nacht” (“Lullaby: Good Evening, Good Night”), Op. 49, No. 4, is a result of the work of great composer Johannes Brahms. He first published this beloved song in 1868, and it’s certainly withstood the test of time.
Hush Little Baby
Lullaby 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 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.
Why Parents and Babies Love It:
This traditional lullaby is thought to have been composed in the Southern area of the U.S., but its author is unknown. Parents love the cheeky nature of the lullaby lyrics: promising all types of fun rewards, as long as the baby stays quiet. We love that this baby lullaby lends itself to ad lib verses, so start singing your own and have fun with it!
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lullaby type 02
Soothing Lullabies
If soothing, dulcet tones are the name of the game for your little one, keep these soft and peaceful lullaby lyrics in mind.
Rock-a-Bye Baby
Lullaby Lyrics:
Rock-a-bye, baby
On the treetop
When the wind blows
The cradle will rock
If the bough breaks
The cradle will fall
But mama will catch you
Cradle and all
Baby is drowsing
Cozy and fair
Mother sits near
In her rocking chair
Forward and back
The cradle she swings
And though baby sleeps
He hears what she sings
Hush a bye baby
Up in the sky
On a soft cloud
it’s easy to fly
Angels keep watch
Over as you sleep
So hush a bye baby
Don’t make a peep
Rock a bye baby
Do not you fear
Never mind baby
Mother is near
Wee little fingers
Eyes are shut tight
Now sound asleep
Until morning light
Why Parents and Babies Love It:
Also known as “Hush a Bye Baby”, this baby lullaby is an 18th century English nursery rhyme. It was first published in “Mother Goose’s Melody” in the U.K., but quickly made its way over to the United States. With sweet, comforting lyrics and a lulling, dulcet tone, this is a great song for putting your baby to sleep.
You Are My Sunshine
Lullaby Lyrics:
The other night dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
But 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 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 and love another,
You'll regret it all someday.
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
You told me once, dear, you really loved me
And no one else could come between.
But now you've left me and love another;
You have shattered all of my dreams:
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
In all my dreams, dear, you seem to leave me
When I awake my poor heart pains.
So when you come back and make me happy
I'll forgive you dear, I'll take all the blame.
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
Why Parents and Babies Love It:
"You are My Sunshine" was originally recorded by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell in 1939, and in the almost-century since, it has been covered by all sorts of artists, ranging from Bing Crosby to Johnny Cash to Chris Stapleton. Put your own spin on this melancholy classic and watch your little ones eyes fall shut.
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lullaby type 03
Funny Lullabies
If you’re looking for entertaining lullaby lyrics that keep your little one smiling, consider these funny lullabies.
Frere Jacques
Lullaby Lyrics:
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines, sonnez les matines
Ding ding dong, ding ding dong.
English Version:
Are you sleeping, are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John?
Morning bells are ringing, morning bells are ringing
Ding ding dong, ding ding dong.
Why Parents and Babies Love It:
Combine a French language lesson with some fun “ding dong” noises; baby is sure to delight in these funny lullaby lyrics. This baby lullaby is about a French friar in a monastery who oversleeps and misses prayer time. As the singer, you are urging the monk to wake up in order to ring the church bells—ironic as this lullaby is a favorite for putting little ones to sleep!
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Lullaby Lyrics:
Climbed up the waterspout
Down came the rain
And washed the spider out
Out came the sun
And dried up all the rain
And the itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the spout again
The itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the kitchen wall
Swoosh! went the fan
And made the spider fall
Off went the fan
No longer did it blow
So the itsy bitsy spider
Back up the wall did go
The itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the yellow pail
In came a mouse
And flicked her with his tail
Down fell the spider
The mouse ran out the door
Then the itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the pail once more
The itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the rocking chair
Up jumped a cat
And knocked her in the air
Down plopped the cat
And when he was asleep
The itsy bitsy spider
Back up the chair did creep
The itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the maple tree
She slipped on some dew
And landed next to me
Out came the sun
And when the tree was dry
The itsy bitsy spider
Gave it one more try
The itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up without a stop
She spun a silky web
Right at the very top
She wove and she spun
And when her web was done
The itsy bitsy spider
Rested in the sun
Why Parents and Babies Love It:
These lullaby lyrics lend themselves to some fun hand movements that will keep baby entertained and smiling—right into a deep slumber.
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lullaby type 04
Long Lullabies
Need longer baby lullabies for a little one who won’t go down to sleep without a fight? These long lullabies will have your sweet baby’s doe eyes shutting slowly but surely.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Lullaby Lyrics:
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
I looked over Jordan and what did I see
Comin' for to carry me home
A band of angels comin' after me
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
If you get to heaven before I do
Comin' for to carry me home
Tell all my friends I'm comin' there too
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
I'm sometimes up and sometimes down
Comin' for to carry me home
But still I know I'm heavenly (freedom) bound
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
If I get there before you do
Comin' for to carry me home
I'll cut a hole and pull you through
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Why Parents and Babies Love It:
One of the oldest spirituals in American history, this beautiful song features highs and lows, and will bring both baby and parent a sense of peace in the evening hours.
Clementine
Lullaby Lyrics:
Blowing bubbles soft and fine
But alas, I was no swimmer
So I lost my Clementine
Oh, my darling Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
Soon began to peak and pine
Thought he oughta join his daughter
Now he's with his Clementine
Oh, my darling Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
Where the flowers grow and twine
There grow roses, 'mongst the posies
Fertilized by Clementine
Oh, my darling Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
Of this little tale of mine
Artificial respiration
Would have saved my Clementine
Oh, my darling Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
How I missed my Clementine
Till I kissed her little sister
And forgot my Clementine
Oh, my darling Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
Why Parents and Babies Love It:
While these lullaby lyrics are truly tragic, it continues to be one of the most popular songs to sing little ones to sleep. Published as a classic folk ballad in 1884, this sad but catchy song about Clementine’s demise is still beloved by parents and kids alike.
A Better Night’s Sleep with the Lotus
With the Lotus, rocking your baby to sleep with sweet melodies is a piece of cake. The bassinet can be kept right next to your bed; simply flip the legs into rocker mode and rock baby back and forth in time with soothing lullabies. Armed with the right cradle and these lullabies proven to help baby sleep, you’re well on your way to a restful night’s sleep.
When the sun goes down and it’s time for rest, pull out these handy lullaby lyrics.
From the traditional to the silly and everything in between, these lullabies are designed to help your baby drift off to restful sleep—so you can do the same.