Are you looking for the perfect way to help your kids relax and get ready for sleep? Then look no further – these are the best bedtime songs for kids!
As parents, we want to provide a relaxing and comforting environment for our children at bedtime. One way to create this atmosphere is by singing soft and calming songs. Whether it’s traditional lullabies or current pop hits, having a few go-to tunes can be the perfect way to help kids unwind before sleep.
We’ve compiled a list of the best 20 bedtime songs that can help your children wind down and drift off into dreamland. From soothing lullabies, to fun favorites, this list will provide just the right music to put your little ones in a sleepy mood.
Every song comes with a karaoke video, its lyrics to help you sing it yourself and a link to a free printable PDF with the lyrics in case you’d like to have it on paper later on too. So let’s get to it—here are 20 of the best bedtime songs for kids!
Table of Contents
- “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
- “Hush, Little Baby”
- “Rock-a-bye Baby”
- “All the Pretty Little Horses”
- “Hushabye Mountain”
- “Lullaby and Goodnight (Brahms Lullaby)”
- “Golden Slumbers”
- “Dream a Little Dream of Me”
- “All Through the Night”
- “Stay Awake”
- “Hallelujah”
- “Tomorrow Will Be Kinder”
- “Goodnight, My Someone”
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
- “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”
- “Blackbird”
- “Amazing Grace”
- “Mozart’s Lullaby (Sleep, Little One)”
- “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”
- “Summertime”
“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
This timeless classic is a perfect choice for singing to your children at bedtime.
Composed in the early 19th century by English composer Jane Taylor and later adapted from Mozart’s “Ah, vous dirai-je, maman“, this song has been soothing children as they fall asleep for centuries.
Its gentle, calming melody and gentle lyrics make it the ideal song to help kids relax and get into a peaceful mood before bed. Whether it’s sung by parents or playing from an audio device, this gentle tune is sure to help little ones drift off into a peaceful night’s sleep.
1. Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
2. When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
3. Then the traveller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
4. In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye,
‘Till the sun is in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
5. As your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the traveller in the dark.
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
6. Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
7. Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
How I wonder what you are.
How I wonder what you are.
“Hush, Little Baby”
This beloved traditional lullaby is sure to put any child in a sleepy mood. Its gentle melody and calming lyrics provide the perfect atmosphere for winding down before bedtime.
It’s the perfect song to help your little one sink into slumber, with its soothing chorus of “Hush now, don’t you cry.”
1. Hush, little baby, don’t say a word,
Mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird.
2. And if that mockingbird don’t sing,
Mama’s gonna buy you a diamond ring
3. And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Mama’s gonna buy you a looking glass.
4. And if that looking glass is broke,
mama’s gonna buy you a billy goat.
5. And if that billy goat won’t pull,
Mama’s gonna buy you a cart and a bull.
6. And if that cart and bull turn over,
Mama’s gonna buy you a dog named Rover.
7. And if that dog named Rover won’t bark,
Mama’s gonna buy you a horse and a cart.
8. And if that horse and cart fall down,
you’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town.
“Rock-a-bye Baby”
This traditional lullaby is perfect for helping kids get into a calm and relaxed state before bedtime.
Its gentle rocking rhythm will soothe any child, while its reassuring lyrics provide comfort and security.
The song’s sweet melody and comforting message of “rock-a-bye baby in the treetop” make it an ideal choice for winding down before sleep.
Rock-a-bye baby
On the treetop
When the wind blows
The cradle will rock,
When the bough breaks
The cradle will fall
And down will come baby
Cradle and all.
“All the Pretty Little Horses”
This traditional lullaby is a great choice for helping kids get ready for sleep. Its gentle melody and soothing lyrics make it the perfect song to soothe children before bedtime.
The song’s calming imagery of horses, “prancing by moonlight” creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for lulling any child into a peaceful sleep.
Hush-a-bye, don’t you cry,
go to sleep, my little baby
When you wake, you shall have
all the pretty little horses.
Dapples and grays, pintos and bays,
all the pretty little horses.
Hush you bye, don’t you cry,
go to sleep my little baby
When you wake, you shall have
all the pretty little horses.
Way down yonder, in the meadow,
poor little baby, crying mama.
Birds and the butterflies, flutter ’round his eyes,
little baby crying mama.
Dapples and grays, pintos and bays,
all the pretty little horses.
Hush you bye, don’t you cry,
go to sleep, my little baby
When you wake, you shall have
all the pretty little horses.
“Hushabye Mountain”
This lullaby from the 1968 musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, written by the Sherman Brothers, is an ideal choice for helping children to relax and fall into a peaceful sleep.
Its calming melody, soothing lyrics, and beautiful imagery of a “mountain top in the sky” create a peaceful atmosphere that will help any child get ready for sleep. The song’s wistful chorus of “hushabye, don’t you cry” will provide your little one with a sense of comfort and security that will help them drift off peacefully.
A gentle breeze from Hushabye Mountain
Softly blows o’er Lullaby Bay
It fills the sails of boats that are waiting
Waiting to sail your worries away
It isn’t far to Hushabye Mountain
And your boat waits down by the quay
The winds of night so softly are sighing
Soon they will fly your troubles to sea
So close your eyes on Hushabye Mountain
Wave goodbye to cares of the day
And watch your boat from Hushabye Mountain
Sail far away from Lullaby Bay
So close your eyes on Hushabye Mountain
Wave goodbye to cares of the day
And watch your boat from Hushabye Mountain
Sail far away from Lullaby Bay
“Lullaby and Goodnight (Brahms Lullaby)”
This beloved traditional lullaby – also known as Brahms lullaby – is sure to put any child in a sleepy mood. Its gentle melody and calming lyrics provide the perfect atmosphere for winding down before bedtime.
It’s a great song to help your little one doze off, with its soothing melody.
Lullaby and good night,
With roses bedight,
With lilies o’er spread
Is baby’s wee bed.
Lay thee down now and rest,
May thy slumber be blessed.
Lay thee down now and rest,
May thy slumber be blessed.
Lullaby and good night,
Thy mother’s delight,
Bright angels beside
My darling abide.
They will guard thee at rest,
Thou shalt wake on my breast.
They will guard thee at rest,
Thou shalt wake on my breast.
“Golden Slumbers”
A serene anthem of sleep, this timeless lullaby is a delightful way to help little ones fall into a deep sleep. Its tender melody and tranquil lyrics paint an image of golden slumbers that provide comfort and security for the listener.
Every night parents around the world share its enchanting message with their children: “Sleep pretty darling, do not cry” – allowing them to find solace in sweet restful dreams as they fall asleep peacefully until morning comes again.
1. Golden slumbers kiss your eyes,
Smiles awake you when you rise;
Sleep, pretty baby, do not cry,
I will sing a lullaby.
2. Cares you know not, therefore sleep
While over you a watch I’ll keep
Sleep pretty darling, do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby.
“Dream a Little Dream of Me”
“Dream a Little Dream of Me” is the perfect bedtime song for kids. Its gentle melody and soothing lyrics create an atmosphere of comfort, security and relaxation, perfect for winding down before bedtime. The song’s reassuring message of “dream a little dream of me” will provide any child with a sense of peace and tranquility, helping them nod off. The beautiful imagery of “stars shining bright above” creates a magical and restful atmosphere, perfect for helping kids drift off into a peaceful sleep.
Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper “I love you”
Birds singin’ in the sycamore trees
Dream a little dream of me
Say “Night-ie night” and kiss me
Just hold me tight and tell me you’ll miss me
While I’m alone and blue as can be
Dream a little dream of me
Stars fading but I linger on, dear
Still craving your kiss
I’m longing to linger ’til dawn, dear
Just saying this
Sweet dreams ’til sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you
But in your dreams, whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me
“All Through the Night”
This traditional lullaby is the perfect choice for helping children relax and get ready for sleep.
Its gentle melody, soothing lyrics, and comforting message of “sleep and peace attend thee” create an atmosphere of calm and relaxation, perfect for winding down before bedtime.
Its peaceful imagery of “lullabies and dreams” creates a serene atmosphere that will help any child fade into sleep.
1. Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee
All through the night
Guardian angels God will send thee
All through the night
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping
I my loving vigil keeping
All through the night
2. While the moon her watch is keeping
All through the night
While the weary world is sleeping
All through the night
O’er thy spirit gently stealing
Visions of delight revealing
Breathes a pure and holy feeling
All through the night
3. Though I roam a minstrel lonely
All through the night
My true harp shall praise sing only
All through the night
Love’s young dream, alas, is over
Yet my strains of love shall hover
Near the presence of my lover
All through the night
4. Hark, a solemn bell is ringing
Clear through the night
Thou, my love, art heavenward winging
Home through the night
Earthly dust from off thee shaken
Soul immortal shalt thou awaken
With thy last dim journey taken
Home through the night
“Stay Awake”
This jaunty song by Julie Andrews is a great choice for helping children get ready for bed.
Its upbeat melody and cheerful lyrics create an atmosphere of fun and excitement that is sure to get any child excited for bedtime.
Its encouraging message of “the night’s still young, don’t you let it go to sleep” will provide any child with the motivation they need to fight against tiredness and stay awake just a little while longer.
Stay awake don’t rest your head
Don’t lie down upon your bed
While the moon drifts in the skies
Stay awake don’t close your eyes
Though the world is fast asleep
Though your pillow soft and deep
You’re not sleepy as you seem
Stay awake, don’t nod and dream
Stay awake, don’t nod and dream
“Hallelujah”
This timeless classic by Leonard Cohen is a perfect bedtime choice for kids. Its beautiful melody and calming lyrics create an atmosphere of peace, serenity, and security that is perfect for winding down before bedtime.
The song’s uplifting chorus of “Hallelujah” will provide any child with a feeling of comfort and assurance that will help them drift off peacefully. The song’s beautiful imagery of “angels singing” creates a magical and restful atmosphere, perfect for helping kids drift off into a peaceful sleep.
This is sure to be a favorite among both parents and children.
- Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do ya?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing “Hallelujah”
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
- Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the “Hallelujah”
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
- You say I took the name in vain
I don’t even know the name
But if I did, well really, what’s it to ya?
There’s a blaze of light in every word
It doesn’t matter which you heard
The holy or the broken “Hallelujah”
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
- I did my best, it wasn’t much
I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool ya
And even though it all went wrong
I’ll stand before the lord of song
With nothing on my tongue but “Hallelujah”
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
“Tomorrow Will Be Kinder”
This uplifting ballad from the Hunger Games soundtrack is the perfect choice for helping children relax and get ready for bed.
Its gentle melody, soothing lyrics, and encouraging message of “tomorrow will be kinder” create an atmosphere of hope and security, perfect for winding down before bedtime. The song’s beautiful imagery of “better days to come” creates a peaceful atmosphere that will help any child fall into a dream.
With its reassuring chorus of “hold your head up high and don’t be afraid”, this song will provide any child with the comfort and reassurance they need to drift off into a peaceful sleep.
Black clouds are behind me
I now can see a hill
Often I wonder why I try
Hoping for an end
Sorrow weighs my shoulders down
And trouble haunts my mind
But I know the the present will not last
And tomorrow will be kinder
Tomorrow will be kinder
It’s true I’ve seen it before
A brighter day is coming my way
Yes tomorrow will be kinder
Today I’ve cried a many tear
And pain is in my heart
Around me lies a somber scene
I don’t know where to start
But I feel warmth on my skin
The stars have all aligned
The wind has blown but now I know
That tomorrow will be kinder
Tomorrow will be kinder
I know I’ve seen it before
A brighter day is coming my way
Yes tomorrow will be kinder
A brighter day is coming my way
Yes tomorrow will be kinder
“Goodnight, My Someone”
This beautiful song, composed by Meredith Willson and first performed by Barbara Cook in 1957, is the perfect choice for helping children relax and get ready for sleep.
Its gentle melody, soothing lyrics, and reassuring message of “may the good Lord keep you safe till morning” create an atmosphere of comfort and security that will help any child fall into a peaceful sleep.
Goodnight, my someone
Goodnight, my love
Sleep tight, my someone
Sleep tight, my love
Our star is shining, it’s brightest light
For goodnight, my love, for goodnight
Sweet dreams be yours, dear, if dreams there be
Sweet dreams to carry you close to me
I wish they may and I wish they might
Now goodnight, my someone, goodnight
True love can be whispered from heart to heart
When lovers are parted they say
But I must depend on a wish and a star
As long as my heart doesn’t know who you are
Sweet dreams be yours, dear, if dreams there be
Sweet dreams to carry you close to me
I wish they may and I wish they might
Now goodnight, my someone, goodnight
Goodnight
Goodnight
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
This timeless classic, composed by Harold Arlen in 1939 and first performed by Judy Garland, is the perfect choice for helping children relax and get ready for bed.
Its gentle melody, soothing lyrics, and encouraging message of “someday I’ll wish upon a star” create an atmosphere of hope and security that will help any child drift off peacefully into dreamland.
The song’s beautiful imagery of “skies of blue and fields of green” creates a peaceful atmosphere that will help any child drift off into a peaceful sleep.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There’s a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh, why can’t I?
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”
This upbeat and catchy song, composed by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart in 1983 and first performed by the Eurythmics, may seem like an unlikely choice for a bedtime song, but the recurring themes in its melody create a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for helping kids slumber off.
Its lyrics refer to mankind’s quest to find fulfillment in life, which is not a strange topic to sing about after all.
Play the lullaby version of “Song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” Here:
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree
I travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody’s looking for something
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused
Alternative 2nd verse:
We have come up with this kid-friendly version of the second verse:
Some of them want to love you
Some of them want to get loved by you
Some of them want to adore you
Some of them want to be adored
“Blackbird”
This beautiful song, composed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney in 1968 and first performed by The Beatles, is the perfect choice for helping children relax and get ready for bed.
Its gentle melody and comforting lyrics create an atmosphere of peace and security that is perfect for winding down before bedtime. The song’s uplifting chorus of “blackbird singing in the dead of night” will provide any child with a feeling of comfort and assurance that will help them drift off peacefully.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of a dark black night
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of a dark black night
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
“Amazing Grace”
This timeless song, composed by John Newton in 1779 and first performed by The Choir of New College Oxford in 1868, is the perfect choice for helping children relax and get ready for bed.
Its gentle melody and reassuring lyrics create an atmosphere of peace and security that will help any child drift off peacefully into dreamland.
1. Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now I’m found,
Was blind, but now I see.
2. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
4. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
“Mozart’s Lullaby (Sleep, Little One)”
This beautiful song, composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and first performed in 1756, is the perfect choice for helping children relax and get ready for bed.
Its gentle melody, soothing lyrics, and reassuring message of “sleep little one, let your dreams be sweet” create an atmosphere of comfort and security that will help any child drift into sleep.
Sleep, little one, go to sleep
So peaceful the birds and the sheep
Quiet the meadow and trees
Even the buzz of the bees
The silvery moonbeams so bright
Down through the window give light
O’er you the moonbeams will creep
Sleep, little one, go to sleep.
Good night, good night.
“Swing Low Sweet Chariot”
This beautiful spiritual song, composed by Wallis Willis in 1862 and first performed by The Fisk Jubilee Singers in 1909, is the perfect choice for helping children relax and get ready for bed.
Its gentle melody and comforting lyrics create an atmosphere of peace and security that will help any child slumber away. The song’s uplifting chorus of “swing low sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home” provides any child with a feeling of comfort and assurance that will help them fall asleep.
Chorus:
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home.
1. I looked over Jordan and what did I see
Coming for to carry me home
A band of angels coming after me
Coming for to carry me home
(chorus)
2. If you get there before I do
Coming for to carry me home
Tell all my friends I’m coming too
Coming for to carry me home
(chorus)
3. The brightest day that I can say
Coming for to carry me home
When Jesus washed my sins away,
Coming for to carry me home.
(chorus)
4. Sometimes I’m up and sometimes I’m down
Coming for to carry me home
But still my soul feels heavenly bound
Coming for to carry me home
(chorus)
“Summertime”
This beautiful song, composed by George Gershwin in 1934 and first performed by Abbie Mitchell, is the perfect choice for helping children relax and get ready for bed. Its gentle melody and calming lyrics create an atmosphere of peace and security that is perfect for winding down before bedtime.
Summertime, and the living is easy.
Fish are jumping, and the cotton is high.
Oh, your daddy’s rich, and your ma is good-looking.
So, hush, little baby, don’t you cry.
One of these mornings you’re gonna rise up singing.
Yes, you’ll spread your wings and you’ll take to the sky.
But ’til that morning, there’s nothing can harm you.
Yes, with daddy and mammy standing by.
Summertime, and the living is easy.
Fish are jumping, and the cotton is high.
Oh, your daddy’s rich, and your ma is good-looking.
So, hush, little baby. Baby, don’t you cry.
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