Lullaby and Goodnight: The Brahms’ Lullaby

Artwork Alexis Watters|CC

Instantly recognizable, Lullaby and Goodnight is possibly one of the most loved lullabies worldwide. Here are the lyrics for the bedtime song commonly known as Brahm’s Lullaby, though we imagine most parents will skip the German lyrics, and just hum along with the lovely tune.

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Lullaby and Goodnight Lyrics

Lullaby and goodnight, 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 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

Click to download a pdf printable of Brahms’ Lullaby Lyrics.


History of the Lullaby

Cradle songs, also known as wiegnlieds in German, are the common name for many children’s lullabies. This, the original cradle song, was written by Johannes Brahms in 1868, called Wiegenlied: Guten Abend, gute Nacht (Lullaby: Good evening, good night), Op. 49 No. 4, most commonly known as Brahms’ Lullaby.

The first verse was based on a German folk poem called Des Knaben Wunderhorn (The Boy’s Magic Horn), and the second verse was added later by a second author in 1849.

The  lyrics are thought to suggest the innocence and sweetness of a sleeping child, as represented by the purity of roses and lilies decorating the baby’s bed.

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The German Lyrics to Lullaby and Goodnight

Guten Abend, gute Nacht, Mit Rosen bedacht,
Mit Naeglein besteckt, schlupf unter die Deck’
Morgen frueh, wenn Gott will, wirst du wieder geweckt
Morgen frueh, wenn Gott will, wirst du wieder geweckt

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

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