Classic lullabies
The lullabies parents have hummed for generations — where they came from, and gentle music inspired by that same tradition that you can play right now.
The timeless classics
Most of us know a handful of lullabies by heart. They have lasted for a reason: simple melodies, slow tempos, and words about rest and safety. Here are the ones you'll hear most often in English-speaking homes:
- Brahms' Lullaby ("Wiegenlied") — perhaps the most famous of all, written by Johannes Brahms in 1868. The gentle, rocking melody is instantly recognisable even without the words.
- Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star — set to an 18th-century French tune, with the familiar English verse from a Jane Taylor poem. Its steady, stepwise melody is easy for babies to settle to.
- Hush, Little Baby — a traditional American lullaby built on a long, soothing list of gifts, perfect for gentle, repetitive singing.
- Rock-a-bye Baby — one of the oldest English lullabies in print, with a swaying, cradle-like rhythm.
- All the Pretty Horses and Golden Slumbers — quieter, tender classics often used to wind down at the very end of a bedtime routine.
Good to know: Many classic lullabies are in the public domain, but recordings of them are not. That's one reason a calm, original lullaby you can loop freely is so handy at 2 a.m.
Gentle lullabies you can play now
Our collection is soft, original instrumental music written in the spirit of those classics — slow, warm and calming. Tap one to listen:
Turning a lullaby into a bedtime cue
The magic of a classic lullaby isn't only the tune — it's the repetition. Playing the same gentle music at the same point every night helps your baby's brain link that sound with sleep. To get the most out of it:
- Pick one lullaby and use it consistently for a few weeks.
- Keep the volume low — about the level of a soft conversation.
- Let it play continuously; music that stops mid-nap can wake a light sleeper.
- Fade it out rather than cutting it off.
The Lullaby app handles the last two for you: seamless all-night repeat, plus a sleep timer that fades the music out once your baby is asleep.
One lullaby, all night long
Free to listen. Repeat + sleep timer in Premium. No ads.
Frequently asked
What are the most famous classic lullabies?
Brahms' Lullaby, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Hush Little Baby, Rock-a-bye Baby, All the Pretty Horses and Golden Slumbers are among the best known in English.
Do I have to sing the lullaby myself?
No — softly played instrumental lullaby music works just as well. What matters is that it's slow, quiet and consistent. Press play above and let it do the work.
Where can I play these all night?
Get the Lullaby app and turn on repeat, or explore more lullabies for babies.