Schlafe, mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein facts for kids
"Schlafe, mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein" means "Sleep, my little prince, fall asleep" in German. It is one of the most famous German lullabies, also known as a Wiegenlied. A lullaby is a soft, gentle song sung to help a baby or child fall asleep. This special song has been around for a very long time, since the 1700s! It has comforted many children over the centuries.
What is a Lullaby?
A lullaby is a calming song. Parents or caregivers sing them to children. The main goal is to help children relax. This makes it easier for them to fall asleep. Lullabies often have a gentle rhythm. They also use simple, soothing words. Many cultures around the world have their own lullabies. They are a universal way to show love and care.
History of Lullabies
Lullabies have been sung for thousands of years. They are part of human history. Ancient cultures used them to soothe their young. These songs were passed down through families. They often told stories or wished for good dreams. "Schlafe, mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein" is a great example. It shows how these old traditions continue today.
The Lyrics of the Song
The words of "Schlafe, mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein" are very peaceful. They describe a quiet night. The song talks about sheep and birds resting. It mentions the garden and meadow being silent. Even the little bees are not buzzing. The moon, called Luna, shines softly through the window. All these images help create a calm feeling. They encourage the child to drift off to sleep.
Schlafe, mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein,
Schäfchen ruhn und Vögelein,
Garten und Wiese verstummt,
auch nicht ein Bienchen mehr summt,
Luna mit silbernem Schein
gucket zum Fenster herein,
schlafe bei silbernem Schein,
schlafe, mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein,
schlaf ein, schlaf ein!
Auch in dem Schlosse schon liegt
alles in Schlummer gewiegt,
reget kein Mäuschen sich mehr,
Keller und Küche sind leer,
nur in der Zofe Gemach
tönet ein schmachtendes Ach!
Was für ein Ach mag das sein?
Schlafe, mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein,
schlaf ein, schlaf ein!
Wer ist beglückter als du?
Nichts als Vergnügen und Ruh!
Spielwerk und Zucker vollauf
und noch Karossen im Lauf,
Alles besorgt und bereit,
dass nur mein Prinzchen nicht schreit.
Was wird da künftig erst sein?
Schlafe, mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein,
schlaf ein, schlaf ein!
Sleep, my little prince, sleep,
The sheep and the birdies rest,
The garden and the meadow are quiet,
Not even a little bee buzzes anymore.
Luna, with a silverly glow
Looks in through the window,
Sleep by the silvery glow,
Sleep, my little prince, sleep,
Sleep, sleep!
By now, all are in bed in the castle,
All lulled into a slumber,
No more mice stir,
The basement and kitchen are empty.
Only in the maid's chambers
There sounds a languishing sigh!
What might this sigh be for?
Sleep, my little prince, sleep,
Sleep, sleep!
Who is happier than you?
Nothing but pleasure and peace!
All trinkets and sugar,
And a trotting stage-coach.
Everyone's anxious and ready
That my little prince will just not cry.
But what will the future bring?
Sleep, my little prince, sleep,
Sleep, sleep!
