The top two features I look for in music are emotion and lyrics. Soft, soulful songs especially pull at the heartstrings. Whenever I listen to a song, I always try to imagine the scenario behind the music. Some of these songs I will probably rock my kids to sleep to. Here are pop, musical and classic songs you wouldn’t think of lullabies:
1. "Dear Theodosia" from "Hamilton": Judging from my last article, you can probably tell I've been listening to "Hamilton" nonstop. When I first listened to this song I couldn't help but think about my relationship to my dad and the relationships that he has with both my brother and I. It personally pulled at my heartstrings. However, I think anyone can imagine singing this song to their new born while imagining how they will "blow us all away" in the future. This song is the anthem of committed parents to their children.
2. "Boats and Birds" by Gregory and the Hawk: This song is based heavily on symbolism, which is what drew me to it. "If you be my star, I'll be your sky," lyrics always reminded me of a parent protecting a child. "When I turn jet back and you show off your light," lyrics remind me of the theoretical torch that is passed from generation to generation. I interpret it as someone growing up.
3. "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift: This song from the "Hunger Games" movie is more obvious. In the context of the movie, its about Katniss protecting Prim. But it could be a parent protecting a child from the outside world.
4. "Hey Jude" by The Beatles: This song was written by Paul McCarthy from John Lennon's song Julian when he was young. This song gives advice to this child such as, "Take a sad song and make it better." Listening to the cover of this song in the movie "Across the Universe" was haunting.
5. "Blackbird" by The Beatles: "Blackbird" is by far my favorite song. Its symbolism can apply to most situations in life. Therefore, I would want my child growing up listening to this so they can make their own interpretation to the lyrics and the music when they're older.
6. "The Music of the Night" from "The Phantom of the Opera": Although "Phantom" can be seen as the most "stalkery" musical ever written, the music and the meaning of the show seems less disturbing when you big into it. Sometimes I listen to this song as I go to sleep because of the soothing melody.
7. "Your Guardian Angel" by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus: "When I see your smile and tears runs down my face." Don't tell me that doesn't remind you of a parent looking at a child or a married couple at their wedding. This song is a vow to "never let you fall."
8. "Little Wonders" by Rob Thomas: Featured in my favorite Disney movie "Meet the Robinsons," this song always reminds me that even in the most devastating times of life, that whatever happened happened for a reason. When you look back of your life, you vividly remember those defining moments in your life. That's the kind of song I would sing to my future children.
9. "I See the Light" from "Tangled": Tangled has a fantastic soundtrack with a great range between fun, dark, and moving music. Although its a song about the two main protagonists, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, finally having a romantic moment, there's no reason why it couldn't be a lullaby.
10. "I Hope You Dance" by Leeann Womack: "I hope you never lose your sense of wonder, you get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger." This song is another great example of a parent giving advice to their child.
11. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong: I consider this song an absolute classic. Although this song is well know and the lyrics are known by all, its themes of nature and children growing up gives everyone chills when heard. Kokia has made a very soft and sweet cover to this song.
12. "I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You" by Elvis Presley: Here's another love song that is sweet and soft enough for a beautiful lullaby. A cover made by Twenty One Pilots has had the internet buzzing. "Like a river flows surely to the sea, darling so it goes, somethings are meant to be."
13. "We Are One" from "The Lion King 2": In the movie, Simba sings this song to his daughter Kiara, making it very fitting for this list. "We are more than we are, we are one," are lyrics that points towards a connection between parent and child.
14. "Imagine" by John Lennon: Although not a ballad about family like number 13, "Imagine" talks of world peace making it a ballad to the world. What better lullaby to end with than with one that speaks of peace?
