Brahms’ Lullaby

Brahms’ Lullaby (1868), the cradle song composed by Johannes Brahms, translated from the German, Wiegenlied: Guten Abend, gute Nacht (Good evening, good night). Brahms Op. 49, No. 4 has been putting toddlers (and their parents) to sleep for generations around the world. We offer the traditional lyrics in English.

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.

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.