Hush little baby is sampled by Marshal Mathers, in his song mocking bird. While Eminem may not be best thing to lull your new born to sleep, it outlines the bond and blanket of protection you will surround them with. My Mother sung to me, and I’ll sing to mine. While Mum wasn’t the best singer she still tried. We made up our own words to the melody and chorus of many of these songs. Music soothes the soul.
You can express so many of your emotions when you sing, and the silly words or happy melodies of these songs allow you to be a positive emotional model for your baby. These songs are very old, and have the relics of past society in the notes and lyrics. Modern music can be chaotic and angry — or unvaried.
The song “Hush Little Baby” is almost instructional:
Hush Little Baby
Hush little baby, don’t say a word,
Papa’s gonna buy you a mocking bird.
And if that mocking bird won’t sing,
Papa’s gonna buy you a diamond ring.
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Papa’s gonna buy you a looking glass.
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Papa’s gonna buy you a billy goat.
And if that billy goat won’t pull,
Papa’s gonna buy you a cart and bull.
And if that cart and bull turn over,
Papa’s gonna buy you a dog named Rover.
And if that dog named Rover won’t bark,
Papa’s gonna buy you a horse and cart.
And if that horse and cart fall down,
You’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town.
You’re telling your child not to cry. While they are still young they won’t understand the meaning of it, but as they grow old they will comprehend the words. It’s a positive way of quieting them, singing them a tune instead of yelling will not only help you feel better but them as well. A beautiful voice is the most gentle sound a baby will hear.
Classical music:
Some people can neither sign nor dance, in fact this is true of most. Babies will respond to anything, why not play them a song? They won’t know words yet but they hear sound even in the womb. Mozart, Beethoven, or Bach are classical musicians that have been played for centuries, much like baby lullaby songs. My favorite song is still For Elise, by Beethoven. Some of the louder orchestras may be too harsh for baby ears, but you can turn the sound down, or play a simple piano number.
A Rock-a-bye Baby
Also sampled by Marshal Mathers, this song creates the perfect tune to rock or bounce your baby into a deep slumber. Be careful while doing this with lights low, as you may fall asleep yourself. What better nap than one holding your child in your arms? I’m being careful not to play these songs to myself. Who wouldn’t fall asleep to Rock A Bye Baby? This song was printed in 1765 first and is still sung today.
Rock a Bye Baby
Rock-a-bye, baby
In the treetop.
When the wind blows,
The cradle will rock.
When the bough breaks,
The cradle will fall,
And down will come baby,
Cradle and all.
Baby is drowsing,
Cosy and fair.
Mother sits near,
In her rocking chair.
Forward and back,
The cradle she swings,
And though baby sleeps,
He hears what she sings
The silliest thing they hear will make them smile the widest
Your game of peek-a-boo didn’t work so well this time? Has your baby lost interest in Daddy’s keys? Sing them these baby lullaby songs to soothe and entertain their curious minds. You’re baby’s mind is a sponge. If they don’t learn to laugh now they will never develop the sense of humor they will need to laugh through a bad date or awkward party.
This Old Man
This old man, he played one,
He played knick knack on his thumb,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played two,
He played knick knack on his shoe,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played three,
He played knick knack on his knee,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played four,
He played knick knack on his door,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played five,
He played knick knack on his hive,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played six,
He played knick knack on his sticks,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played seven,
He played knick knack with his pen,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played eight,
He played knick knack on his gate,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played nine,
He played knick knack, rise and shine,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played ten,
He played knick knack on his hen,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played eleven,
He played knick knack up in heaven,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played twelve,
He played knick knack, dig and delve,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home.
This one is a classic, and silly, but serious. It’s not too serious however, as we all know he isn’t coming home in the last stanza. Reality can sometimes be too much for children. But your baby will love to hear you sing. Their Mother’s voice has resonated with them through gestation, to hear her sing after birth will comfort them more than anyone can. I’m not counting out any Dads out there, your singing will work just as well. Every duet needs a bass note! Babies need their sleep and so do you, sing them these baby lullaby songs so you can all — drift off.
Featured photo credit: Photo credit: Neo via flickr.com
