Lullabies of the World: Beloved and Popular International Songs That Soothe Children
We’re introducing lullabies from around the world.
Japan also has many lullabies, and many of you may remember songs your parents sang to you.
Among them, there might even be foreign lullabies you thought were Japanese.
In this article, we’ll introduce classic and popular foreign lullabies that have been sung across the globe and are recommended for soothing children.
These songs often have melodies and atmospheres different from Japanese lullabies, and listening to them may feel refreshing.
You might even discover a surprising song that helps your child fall asleep.
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[World Lullabies] Beloved and Popular Classics from Abroad that Soothe Children (11–20)
Mozart’s Lullaby (Wiegenlied by Bernhard Flies)Berunharuto Furīsu
This piece is commonly known as “Mozart’s Lullaby,” but recent research has revealed that it was actually composed by Bernhard Flies.
As for how the mix-up happened, one explanation is that Köchel, who compiled a catalog of Mozart’s works, mistakenly assigned a so-called Köchel number to a score that his wife possessed.
However, the exact reason remains unclear.
Many lullabies from overseas are in triple meter, while many Japanese lullabies are in duple meter, which highlights interesting differences in rhythmic sensibilities between countries.
NanaSupein min’yō
Seven Spanish Folksongs is a song collection based on Falla’s Spanish folk melodies.
“Nana” is a lullaby from the Andalusia region.
In Spanish, it is said to mean “grandmother.” Although it feels more like an art song than a lullaby, the lyrics seem to focus solely on soothing a beloved child to sleep.
Spirit of Sleep (Sand Spirit)Yohanesu Buraamusu
This is one of the pieces from Brahms’s arrangement “14 Folk Songs for Children,” said to have been written for the children of his close friend Schumann after his death.
It’s about a fairy who sprinkles sand in children’s eyes to put them to sleep.
The music feels a bit eerie, yet gentle, and it lulls you to sleep.
Baloo BaleerieSukottorando no komoriuta
A traditional folk song from the northern regions of Scotland, this Celtic lullaby’s title means “Cradle Lullaby.” Its lyrics tell a frightening story in which fairies come to steal a baby.
While in Japan fairies are often seen as cute, Scottish fairies are believed to be mysterious and fearsome beings that play tricks and even abduct infants.
You can see how such culture and history are reflected in the lullaby.
With a wistful melody that carries the atmosphere of the Nordic north and soothes a baby’s mood, it’s a lullaby whose lyrical meaning is intriguing as well.
Ninna Nanna Ninna OhItaria no komoriuta
An Italian lullaby whose shocking lyrics stand in stark contrast to its gentle melody.
Many lullabies around the world include lines like “If you don’t go to sleep, something scary will happen,” but in this song the mother herself sings, “Who shall I give this child to?” addressing a frightening presence, creating a tension unlike other lullabies.
For Japanese listeners who don’t understand Italian, it just sounds like a tender lullaby, but it’s surprising to learn that the words are actually scary.
It might be fine to sing it to a baby who won’t fall asleep as a momentary way to relieve stress, but be careful not to sing it with genuine intent.