Full Lyrics of Brahms’ Lullaby

Lullaby and goodnight, with pink 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

Sleepyhead, close your eyes, for I’m right beside you
Guardian angels are near, so sleep without fear
Lullaby and good night, with roses bedight
Lullaby and good night, thy mother’s delight

Brahms’ Lullaby

As a father of four kids, I’ve sung my fair share of lullabies over the years. But few can compare to the timeless soothing melody of Brahms’ Lullaby. With its gentle lyrics and hypnotic rhythm, this classic song never fails to lull my little ones into a peaceful slumber. Though composed way back in 1868, Brahms’ Lullaby remains one of the most popular and beloved bedtime songs for babies and toddlers today.

In this post, I’ll share the full lyrics along with some fascinating facts about the origins and meaning behind this enduring cradle song. Whether you’re already familiar with its comforting tune or discovering it for the first time, I hope you’ll join me in appreciating the enduring magic of Brahms’ Lullaby. Sweet dreams!

Origins and Meaning

Johannes Brahms, the famous German composer and pianist, first wrote Brahms’ Lullaby in 1868. Originally titled “Wiegenlied: Guten Abend, gute Nacht” which translates to “Good evening, good night,” it was composed as a gift for Brahms’ friend Bertha Faber on the occasion of the birth of her second son.

Though one of Brahms’ shorter and simpler compositions, the “Lullaby” quickly became popular throughout Europe and later in the United States. Also known as “Brahms’ Wiegenlied” or “Cradle Song,” this beautiful and soothing melody eventually became one of Brahms’ most well-known pieces of music.

The lyrics tell the story of a parent singing their child to sleep, promising to guard them as they slumber peacefully through the night. As a lullaby, it aims to comfort babies and lull them into a restful sleep. The lyrics evoke soothing images of angel guardians watching over the sleeping infant. The repetition of “lullaby and goodnight” creates a hypnotic, rocking rhythm. As a whole, the song expresses the parent’s wish for the child to have the most peaceful, blessed sleep.

Beyond just a simple cradle song, Brahms’ Lullaby has frequently been interpreted as a metaphor for death being like a peaceful sleep, guarded by angels. However, Brahms himself did not indicate that this was his intention with the lyrics. Regardless of hidden meanings, the song’s calming melody and endearing lyrics have made it a beloved lullaby for children and adults alike for over 150 years.

Fun Facts

• Brahms originally wrote his famous lullaby as a gift for his friend Bertha Faber when she gave birth to her second son. He became a godfather to her older son.
• For decades it was thought Brahms composed the melody himself, until musicologists discovered very similar melodies in old folk songs from different regions of Europe. So Brahms likely adapted a traditional lullaby tune.
• It’s one of the most recorded lullabies, with famous versions by artists like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and even Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brahms’ Lullaby is not just any old bedtime song. As one of the most timeless and soothing lullabies ever written, it has comforted countless babies and toddlers – including my own – for over 150 years. With its hypnotic melody and endearing lyrics promising peaceful rest guarded by angels, it’s no wonder this short but sweet composition remains one of Brahms’ most enduring musical gifts. For parents today, Brahms’ Lullaby is still a go-to for helping restless little ones drift effortlessly off to sleep. I hope this post has provided some fascinating history and context about this beloved song. Now go give your kiddo an extra goodnight kiss, tuck them in, and sing them this beautiful lullaby. Sweet dreams!

As I discussed in my previous post on popular kids’ songs, music is an integral part of childhood. For the full list of songs, visit https://thecornydad.com/50-fun-and-educational-kiddie-songs-with-lyrics

Hey there! I'm Allen, but you can call me "The Corny Dad" from Canada. I have a wife and four kiddos. Yep, one's full grown, but they'll always be my babies. When I'm not doing something with my family or playing video games, I'm here, jotting down my bits of wisdom on this blog. From the fun stuff to the parenting chaos, I cover it all. Believe me, with the right attitude, parenting's a smoother ride and I'm here to help.