Brahms Lullaby

Lullaby and good night, 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 good night, 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

Alternate Version

Lullaby and goodnight, draped in roses and starlight
Robed in comfort from above, rests my darling clothed in love!
Close thy eyes, now and sleep; May The Lord His watch keep.
Close thy eyes, now and sleep, May The Lord His watch keep.

Lullaby and goodnight, infant Jesus be thy light.
Round thy cradle angels shine, cloaking thee in dreams divine.
With a sweet, gentle kiss, may thee behold Heaven's bliss.
With a sweet, gentle kiss, may thee behold heaven's bliss.

This alternate translation of the original German version was written by Kristina Powers to more accurately reflect the original text, including religious symbolism, whilst retaining a rhyming nature.

Original German Version

Guten Abend, gut’ Nacht, Mit Rosen bedacht,
Mit Näglein besteckt, schlupf unter die Deck'
Morgen früh, wenn Gott will, wirst du wieder geweckt
Morgen früh, wenn Gott will, wirst du wieder geweckt

Guten Abend, gut’ Nacht, Von Englein bewacht
Die zeigen im Traum, dir Christkindleins Baum
Schlaf nun selig und süss, Schau im Traum's Paradies
Schlaf nun selig und süss, Schau im Traum's Paradies

Origin of Brahms Lullaby

Brahm’s lullaby is actually called Wiegenlied in the original German. It was written by the famous compose Brahms for his friend Bertha Faber as a gift for the birth of her second son. Brahms had been in love with Bertha since childhood, and it’s said that the melody was a secret reference to a song she used to sing to him in their youth.

Brahm’s lullaby was first performed to the public in December 1869, making this lullaby a true classic!