Moon, Moon, Moon
Moon moon moon, shining bright
Moon moon moon, my nightlight
Moon moon moon, I can see
Moon moon moon, you’re taking care of me
Look up, it’s the moon
Look up, it’s the moon
Look up, it’s the moon up in the sky
It’s big and round, and I have found
That it looks just like a pizza pie (repeat entire song but end with “lemon pie”)
Laurie Berkner, the beloved songstress whom People magazine called “The Queen of Children’s Music,” has written a contemporary lullaby that holds its own with the classics. “Moon, Moon, Moon” reassures minis that even in the darkest night, the moon shines brightly and watches over them.
Over the Rainbow
Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh, why can’t I?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow.
Why, oh, why can’t I?
Right after Dorothy sings “Over the Rainbow” in The Wizard of Oz, she sleeps so deeply that she dreams in technicolor! The reassuring lyrics (“troubles melt like lemon drops”) make it a fantastic lullaby — just remember to start in a low key or you might have trouble hitting the high notes.
Great Big Stars
Great big stars, way up a yonder
Great big stars, way up a yonder
Great big stars, way up a yonder
All around the world, gonna shine, shine
All around the world, gonna shine, shine
Sometimes you’re just too tired to sing anything complicated. This lovely lullaby is simple and can repeat in a loop until baby finally falls asleep.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, through the night.
Then the traveler in the dark
Thanks you for your tiny spark;
He could not see where to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye
Till the sun is in the sky.
Most of us only know the first verse of this baby favorite, but if you want to mix it up, these extra lyrics will keep you twinkling for many moons.
Rock-a-Bye Baby
Rock-a-bye baby, in the treetop
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
And down will come baby, cradle and all
There are many theories on the meaning behind this slightly terrifying (but very popular) baby lullaby, so here’s a take that should calm any fears: The “cradle” is mama’s arms, rocking the baby. The “fall” is just mama placing baby into the crib, ever so gently.
Hush Little Baby
Hush, little baby, don’t say a word.
Mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird won’t sing,
Mama’s gonna buy you a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Mama’s gonna buy you a looking glass
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Mama’s gonna buy you a billy goat
And if that billy goat won’t pull,
Mama’s gonna buy you a cart and bull
And if that cart and bull turn over,
Mama’s gonna buy you a dog named Rover
And if that horse and cart fall down,
You’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town.
So hush little baby, don’t you cry
Daddy/(Mommy) loves you and so do I.
When I bribe my kids, it’s usually just with ice cream, but this well-loved lullaby takes it to a whole new level. Be quiet and you will get a diamond ring or a billy goat! Who could say no to that?
Goodnight Daniel
Goodnight, Daniel, goodnight
Goodnight goodnight to you
Goodnight, Daniel, goodnight
It’s Tigey’s bedtime too
It’s time to go to sleep
And when you awake
The sun will greet you with
Its bright and sunny face
Goodnight goodnight
Goodnight goodnight to you
Goodnight goodnight
It’s your bedtime too
Close your tired eyes
Tomorrow will be new
Dream a dream of all of us
And remember we love you
Goodnight, Daniel, goodnight
Goodnight goodnight to you
A great modern lullaby has come from an unlikely source: the PBS Kids show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Just swap out “Daniel” for your own kid’s name (and replace “Tigey” with your child’s stuffed animal of choice) and you’ll have a personalized night-night song to round out your lullaby repertoire.
Photo: Getty
