How often do you treat your little one to a rendition of your favorite lullaby?
This universal nightly ritual is popular for one simple reason: Lullabies comfort parents as much as they do their little ones.
Science proves that newborns respond to music on a physical and emotional scale, especially when the tune is crooned by their parent’s familiar voice. When they hear sweet songs, babies respond with a lower, more relaxed heart rate.
Read on to explore some of the most popular English lullaby songs. These songs are as interesting in terms of their origin as they are beloved.
1. Hush little baby
If your baby has trouble settling down, naturally, you're prone to sing them a song that urges them to calm down. Though babies don't understand the literal meaning of this classic lullaby, Hush Little Baby is a favorite among parents with inconsolable babies, and for good reason. Its lyrics follow a simple 'if this then that' pattern. Believe it or not, we even start to fall asleep as we sing it — that’s how you know it’s a great lullaby.
This beloved tune is considered a southern folk song, though its origins are unknown. It belongs in the public domain, meaning that no one individual can claim rights to it. We wouldn’t be surprised if someone has a mother or father in-law that claims they invented it, though.
Though this famous lullaby has specific lyrics, its freeform style often inspires parents to add their own words. Each verse is a promise of what mama or papa will buy the baby if only the baby will hush and stop crying.
2. Twinkle twinkle little star
This globally beloved lullaby was thought to have been written by Mozart. However, this is a myth — it was written by your Aunt Susan. Just kidding. Though it's not clear who wrote this famous melody, the words to this song were written by Jane Taylor in 1806.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is interpreted both literally and figuratively. The star in the song may be an actual star in the sky, or it may refer to the little one to whom the lullaby is sung.
This popular tune was adapted to accompany several other sets of lyrics. Both the American ABC song and the song Ba Ba Black Sheep share a melody with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
3. Alphabet song
Speaking of the ABC's, the Alphabet song is often used as a lullaby as well.
If you want to give your little one a head start in memorizing and recognizing letters, you can sneak this in as a fun activity during your baby's bedtime routine.
Think the Alphabet song is safe from controversy? Think again! The song has been the subject of some recent drama. Some parents insist that singing the letters LMNOP as a single musical phrase confuses small children. It makes them think that LMNOP is one letter. When the new version of The Alphabet Song was released online, it was met with strong disapproval and criticism. It's safe to say that parents and children alike have not warmed up to this pseudo-improved musical arrangement.
4. Rock-a-bye baby
As sweet as lullabies are, some of these songs tend to be creepy as well. Rock-A-Bye Baby is perhaps the most disturbing well-known lullaby of all.
The song is about a baby who's cradle is nestled in a treetop. When the wind blows, the baby's cradle rocks, causing the branch to break and the baby to fall. The cheerful, soothing melody of this lullaby completely contradicts its strangely tragic lyrics.
You might be wondering how such disturbing lyrics were made into a lullaby. You're not alone. Though there are several theories about the origin of this song, there is no definitive record of where it came from.
5. You are my sunshine
You are my sunshine sounds more like a pop song or a sing-along than a lullaby. The truth is, this famous tune is classified as all of the above.
Written and copyrighted in the 1930's by Paul Rice, this song was recorded and performed thousands of times by popular musicians throughout the 20th century. It's since been adopted by parents across generations as a lullaby and a nursery school sing-along.
6. Brahms lullaby
Which tune is most associated with babies everywhere?
If you guessed Brahms Lullaby, you'd be correct. This famous lullaby is often featured in toys such as crib mobiles and wind-up stuffed animals. It's a simple, slow, comforting tune that is easily recognizable by its first three notes.
The origin of this song is as sweet as the lullaby itself. Brahms wrote it for the baby of a woman he secretly loved.
7. Somewhere over the rainbow
Though The Wizard of Oz (the movie) was created nearly a hundred years ago, it's still a beloved film that's fresh in the minds of American families. Somewhere Over the Rainbow, sang by the main character, Dorothy, is just one of the iconic scenes that makes this movie a staple of pop culture.
Since then, the song is not only a timeless classic but also a comforting tune hummed in children's nurseries everywhere.
Beyond Lullaby Songs
Which of these beautiful lullaby songs is your favorite?
Are you surprised by any of their origins?
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