Full Lyrics
Goodnight my angel, time to close your eyes,
And save these questions for another day.
I think I know what you've been asking me,
I think you know what I've been trying to say.
I promised I would never leave you,
And you should always know,
Wherever you may go, no matter where you are,
I never will be far away.
Goodnight my angel, now it's time to sleep,
And still so many things I want to say.
Remember all the songs you sang for me,
When we went sailing on an emerald bay.
And like a boat out on the ocean,
I'm rocking you to sleep.
The water's dark and deep, inside this ancient heart,
You'll always be a part of me.
Goodnight my angel, now it's time to dream,
And dream how wonderful your life will be.
Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby,
Then in your heart there will always be a part of me.
Someday we'll all be gone,
But lullabies go on and on.
They never die, that's how you and I will be.
About This Song
"Goodnight My Angel" (also known as "Lullaby") was written by Billy Joel for his daughter Alexa Ray Joel. It appeared on his 1993 album River of Dreams and has become one of the most beloved modern lullabies.
Billy Joel wrote this song to help his daughter understand and cope with the difficult questions about life, death, and his divorce from her mother. The song addresses deep themes in a gentle, reassuring way that children can understand.
The beautiful piano melody and heartfelt lyrics have made this song a favorite for parents across America. It's often played at weddings, funerals, and most importantly, at countless bedsides as parents sing their children to sleep.