Full Lyrics
Sleep, baby, sleep!
Thy father watches the sheep.
Thy mother shakes the dreamland tree,
And down falls a little dream for thee.
Sleep, baby, sleep!
Sleep, baby, sleep!
The large stars are the sheep.
The little stars are lambs, I guess,
And the bright moon is the shepherdess.
Sleep, baby, sleep!
Sleep, baby, sleep!
And cry not like a sheep.
Else the shepherd's dog will come,
And bite my naughty baby's thumb.
Sleep, baby, sleep!
About This Song
"Sleep, Baby, Sleep" is a beloved traditional lullaby that originated in Germany as "Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf." It was translated into English in the 19th century and has since become one of the most popular songs for calming restless infants.
The lyrics create a magical world where the sky is a pasture, the stars are sheep, and the moon is their shepherdess. This gentle personification of the night sky helps children feel safe and cozy as they drift off to sleep.
While the third verse (mentioning the dog) is sometimes omitted in modern versions, the first two verses remain a staple of nursery rhyme collections worldwide, prized for their soothing rhythm and peaceful imagery.