5 Classic Folk Songs That Make Beautiful Lullabies

As a child, I was blessed to have a mother whose formative years were during a time when folk music was at its peak, the 1960s. My mother’s love for folk music had a huge impact on my life, especially the early years. Every night, she would sing me to sleep. This is a tradition I continue now with my own two girls, often singing these same lullabies that were made so popular during the 1960s folk music scene.

Here are my favourite 5 folk songs that make beautiful lullabies (that most of you will probably already know!)

Puff the Magic Dragon

Sung by Peter, Paul and Mary; written by Lenny Lipton and Peter Yarrow

This is among the most classic of all lullabies. Such a wonderful melody and lovely lyrics that tell the tale of Jackie Paper growing up and leaving behind his imaginary world along with Puff the Magic Dragon. It is a sad song and I find that if I think too much about my kids growing up when I sing it to them, I actually get a bit choked up.

Morningtown Ride

Sung by The Seekers; written by Malvina Reynolds
Of all the songs that my mother sang to me when I was a child, this one seems to have stuck with me the most. Maybe it was the fact that my father was a locomotive engineer for CN Rail, or maybe she just sang it more often than the others. It’s another beauty and in the second verse it’s very easy to replace the names with your own children’s names. This song was also covered by Raffi on his “Baby Beluga” album.

Blowin’ in the Wind

Sung by Joan Baez; written by Bob Dylan
This song is not known as a lullaby, but more as a protest song. If you sing it to your kids as a lullaby it works beautifully. There’s not much to be said about this song that hasn’t already been said. I particularly like Joan Baez singing it.

Take Me Home, Country Roads

Sung by John Denver, written by John Denver, Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert
This song has such an unforgettable and beautiful melody in the chorus. Also, as a parent and as a touring musician, the image of coming home is a very powerful one for me. Whether it be a country road or any other road, if you’re heading home to see your family, there is almost no better feeling as a parent.

Kumbaya

Sung by Pete Seeger (traditional)
To me this is the ultimate lullaby. The song offers a simple plea to help someone in need, and it is a beautiful message to send your child off to sleep with. On a practical note, I also like this song because you can continue to add your own verses as needed for as long as it takes to get them to sleep.

You'll also love: 8 Pop Songs That Make Perfectly Unique Lullabies

As a songwriter, I’ve always enjoyed writing lullabies and have ended most of my albums with one and really love testing them on my own kids. Here are my two favourites:

Fishing for Dreams

Is a duet I recorded with my daughter, Ella. I made this video for her on her 6th birthday. You can also check out the video of us singing it live at my “Wordplay” CD release party last spring.

Goodnight

Part of of Will’s Jams on Kids’ CBC.

Will Stroet and his Backyard Band are coming to Ontario this month with family shows at Parry Sound’s Stockey Centre on November 20, The Gravenhurst Opera House on November 22, Kitchener’s Centre in the Square on November 26, and Toronto’s Al Green Theatre on November 27. Click here for more information and to buy tickets. Tune in to Will’s Jams weekdays at 7:25 AM and Saturdays at 6:25 AM on Kids’ CBC or on YouTube.