I'm a sucker for a good lullaby. A few years ago (um... eleven), I came across a CD of lullabies from around the world that can still calm me in an instant. I was in my mid-twenties and looking for a few soothing sleep-helpers amidst the roller-coaster experiences inherent in that age and my new life as a performing arts student in Boulder, Colorado (fun times). That's when I discovered chamomile tea, lavender bouquets, mobiles (I made my own from sticks and feathers and things I found in my neighborhood) and this CD, On A Starry Night.
Years later, thinking about the soothing love-filled melodies inspired me to compile a list of top ten most beautiful lullabies.
Most are my own personal favorites, but I got a little help from my friends, too.
10. Hush Little Baby
A natural, this song is one of the first I ever learned. I think I first heard it in preschool. I remember straining to learn the lyrics.
9. Go To Sleep You Little Baby
Another classic, this americana ballad provides an irresistible foundation for stacks and stacks of gorgeous harmony. I particularly like the version sung by Alison Kraus, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, and Patty Griffin. Here's a link to a YouTube video of the Go to Sleep You Little Baby sung by the first three. This song is also featured in the Coen Brothers' film O Brother, Where Art Thou.
8. Brahm's Lullaby (aka Cradle Song)
I never knew what this song was called until I started digging around for my friends' favorite lullabies, too. And lo and behold...
Here is a version sung by Frank Sinatra, sure to knock your babe to sleep or make you weep.
7. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
"...up above the world so high like a diamond in the sky..." Here is a version by a 7-year-old Youtube singing sensation accompanied by a 5-year-old on a ukulele. Enjoy & you're welcome!
6. Hey Jude
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and tweaked for John's son Julian, this is the lullaby my friend Julien was sung as a child by his mother. A very nice bedtime soother, I think & this cover is just breathtaking!