Full 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.
Guten Abend, gut' Nacht,
Mit Rosen bedacht,
Mit Näglein besteckt,
Schlüpf unter die Deck'.
Morgen früh, wenn Gott will,
Wirst du wieder geweckt.
Morgen früh, wenn Gott will,
Wirst du wieder geweckt.
About This Song
"Brahms' Lullaby" (German: Wiegenlied: Guten Abend, gute Nacht), Op. 49, No. 4, is one of the most famous lullabies ever written. It was composed by Johannes Brahms in 1868 and published in a set of five songs called Fünf Lieder.
Brahms wrote this lullaby as a gift for his friend Bertha Faber on the birth of her second son. The melody has become so iconic that it is instantly recognizable worldwide and has been adapted countless times for music boxes, mobiles, and children's toys.
The English lyrics commonly sung today were adapted from the original German poem. The gentle 3/4 waltz rhythm and simple, descending melody make it the perfect song for soothing babies to sleep.