Famous American lullabies: soothing English melodies with lyrics for parents and children
Want to sing a lullaby to help your child fall asleep? In times like these, it’s good to know some traditional American lullabies.
With simple melodies and gentle lyrics, English lullabies loved around the world have a mysterious charm that soothes the heart.
This time, we’ll introduce some of the most beloved American lullabies you can enjoy with your child.
We’ll also explain the meaning in Japanese and key pronunciation points, so be sure to try them during your daily bedtime routine!
Famous American lullabies: soothing English melodies with lyrics for parents and children (1–10)
Row Row Row Your BoatSuper Simple Songs
Super Simple Songs, based in Canada, brings music to children around the world.
It originally began at an English school in Tokyo, where they started writing songs to make them easier for kids to sing.
This piece is a soothing, traditional melody that conjures a gentle image of drifting down a river in a small boat.
Its tender message—that life is like a dream—may suggest the importance of time that flows unhurriedly.
This heartwarming work was included on the album “It’s Time for Bed,” released in September 2020.
That same year, Super Simple Songs partnered with Warner Music Group, expanding their reach worldwide.
Play it during your parent-child bedtime routine, and it’s sure to help you end the day on a calm and peaceful note.
a thousand years (lullaby)Christina Perri
This is one of the signature songs by American singer-songwriter Christina Perri, set to a grand melody that vows eternal love.
Originally written as the theme song for the film The Twilight Saga, released in October 2011, it became a wedding classic and was later adapted into a lullaby version for Perri’s own children.
Its steadfast declaration of loving beyond a thousand years gently warms the listener’s heart.
As you listen to this piece that has grown alongside the artist’s life, you may feel your bond with your child deepen even more.
Please try playing it during a calm moment before bedtime.
LullabyJack Johnson and Matt Costa
The lullaby “Lullaby” by Jack Johnson and Matt Costa.
The sounds of acoustic guitar and ukulele are soothing to the ear, and their gentle voices resonate in the heart.
The heartwarming lyrics—asking to sing this song on nights when you can’t fall asleep alone—are deeply moving.
Twinkle Twinkle Little StarJewel
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star—in Japanese, it’s the song “Kirakira Boshi.” The American singer-songwriter Jewel has covered it.
Since the melody is the same as the Japanese version of Kirakira Boshi, it’s a Western lullaby that’s easy for children to listen to.
You’ve Got A FriendCarole King
The song “You’ve Got a Friend,” for which Carole King won Song of the Year at the 1972 Grammy Awards, has since been covered by many artists.
The gentle singing voice and piano performance complement each other, creating an indescribably comforting feeling.
Moon RiverBreakfast at Tiffany’s
“Moon River” is a song performed in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring Audrey Hepburn.
It also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
The scene at the beginning of the movie where Audrey Hepburn eats breakfast in front of Tiffany’s display window is famous, isn’t it?
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)Billy Joel
The song “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel),” which Billy Joel wrote with his daughter in mind.
Beginning with “Goodnight, my angel,” it’s a beautiful piece that conveys Billy Joel’s feelings—“you are a part of me; I will never leave your side.”