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 (21–30)
Mary’s LullabyMakkusu Rēgā
This is the 52nd piece from Simple Songs, a collection of 60 songs composed by the German composer Reger.
It is said to describe the Virgin Mary soothing Jesus amid a rosebush.
The violin’s sonority in particular is unhurried, conjuring up a beautifully serene scene.
Good night Dobrú nocSurobakia min’yō (Surovakia min’yō)
Known as an old Slovak folk lullaby, its title means “Good night” in Japanese.
There are arranged versions by the Russian pianist Kabalevsky and the Czech composer Dvořák, and there are also Japanese translations, so many people may have heard it.
Its wistful melody evokes the end of the day and seems sure to lead a baby gently into sleep.
With lyrics that convey a mother’s love, it soothes a baby’s heart—making it a recommended lullaby for bedtime.
Dodoi si dodoiMareeshia no Komoriuta
This is a lullaby that traveled from East Sumatra in Indonesia to Malaysia.
Even so, I was surprised by how enka-like it is.
More than that, I felt happy to find a culture similar to Japan’s.
It may not fit the typical image of a lullaby, but it’s interesting how they’re connected.
LELO LEDUNGJawa no Komoriuta
True to the style of Indonesian songs, it’s lively and doesn’t fit the image of a lullaby.
Still, this song also has a slightly threatening tone, gently and cheerfully encouraging the child not to cry.
Perhaps it reflects the national character.
It seems to pray that the child will become good—boisterously, and yet with affection.
In conclusion
How did you like the lullabies from around the world? When we think of lullabies, we often imagine slow-tempo songs with a gentle feel, but among the world’s lullabies there were some that were quite the opposite, weren’t there? Lullabies are songs meant to put children to sleep, yet they also reflect various backgrounds, such as a country’s customs and wisdom.
If you’re curious, try enjoying lullabies from those perspectives as well.