Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf facts for kids
"Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf" is a very old and famous German lullaby. A lullaby is a soft song sung to help a baby or child fall asleep. The name means "Sleep, dear child, sleep" in English. This song has been loved by families for hundreds of years.
Contents
The Song's History
The very first part of "Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf" appeared in a music book way back in 1611. It was part of a mix of songs called a quodlibet by Melchior Franck.
How the Melody Was Created
The melody, or tune, we usually hear today was created in 1781. A composer named Johann Friedrich Reichardt based it on an old folk tune. This same tune was also used for another German children's song called "Maikäfer flieg" (cockchafer fly).
The Words We Know Today
The words of the lullaby that are most popular now were shared in 1808. They appeared in a famous German collection of poems and songs called Des Knaben Wunderhorn. Some of the stanzas (verses) were written by a poet named Clemens Brentano. Over the years, many different versions of the song's words have been collected.
A Famous Composer's Version
In 1857, the well-known composer Johannes Brahms also wrote his own music for the words of "Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf." His version is part of his collection of children's folk songs.
The Lullaby's Words
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf,
Der Vater hüt die Schaf,
Die Mutter schüttelts Bäumelein,
Da fällt herab ein Träumelein,
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf.
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf,
Am Himmel ziehn die Schaf,
Die Sternlein sind die Lämmerlein,
Der Mond der ist das Schäferlein,
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf.
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf,
Christkindlein hat ein Schaf,
Ist selbst das liebe Gotteslamm,
Das um uns all zu Tode kam,
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf!
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf,
So schenk ich dir ein Schaf
Mit einer goldnen Schelle fein,
Das soll dein Spielgeselle sein,
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf!
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf,
Und blöck nicht wie ein Schaf,
Sonst kömmt des Schäfers Hündelein,
Und beißt mein böses Kindelein,
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf.
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf,
Geh fort und hüt die Schaf,
Geh fort du schwarzes Hündelein,
Und weck mir nicht mein Kindelein,
Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf.
Sleep my child, sleep
Your father tends the sheep,
Your mother shakes the apple tree,
As falls down a dream for thee
Sleep my child, sleep
Sleep, my child, sleep
In the sky there drag the sheep
The shepherd, he is like the moon
In the sky with lambs bestrewn
Sleep my child, sleep
Sleep my child, sleep
Christ child has a sheep,
Your beloved mother shears the ram
to make fine clothes for madame
Sleep, my child, sleep
Sleep, my child, sleep
then I will give you a lamb
with the finest golden clamp
which will be your playmate then
Sleep, my child, sleep
Sleep, my child sleep
Don't bleat like a sheep
or else there'll come the shepherd's dog
and bites my little child so bad
Sleep, my child, sleep
Sleep, my child, sleep
Go away and tend the sheep
Go away you black dog, so mad
and leave alone my little brat
Sleep, my child, sleep
Sleep, my child, sleep
out there walks a sheep
but now its time for beddy-byes
so come on, my child close your eyes
Sleep, my child, sleep.
