Wiegenlied (Brahms’s Lullaby) is one of the most popular compositions of the German composer Johannes Brahms from 1868.
The song is better known in English as Brahms’s lullaby although there are several literary translations, performed by different artists and orchestras.
In 1993 Bing Crosby released Natalia Macfarren’s version “Brahms’s Lullaby”, while Frank Sinatra sang the Raymond Paige’s adaptation “Cradle Song” recorded in 1944. Rosemary Clooney performed “Close Your Eyes,” a version by William Engvick.
Original lyrics in German can be found in “Des Knaben Wunderhorn”, a collection of German folk poems.
“Brahms’s Lullaby” Lyrics
German Lyrics
Guten Abend, gut’ Nacht,
mit Rosen bedacht,
mit Näglein besteckt,
schlupf’ unter die Deck’:
Morgen früh, wenn Gott will,
wirst du wieder geweckt.
English Translation
Good evening, good night,
With roses covered,
With cloves adorned,
Slip under the covers.
Tomorrow morning, if God wills,
you will wake once again.
A George Scherer’s poem was added to the lyrics by Brahms in 1849.
Guten Abend, gut’ Nacht,
von Englein bewacht,
die zeigen im Traum
dir Christkindleins Baum:
schlaf nun selig und süss,
schau im Traum ‘s Paradies.
Good evening, good night.
By angels watched,
Who show you in your dream
the Christ-child’s tree.
Sleep now blissfully and sweetly,
see paradise in your dreams.