Nursery rhyme lyrics
Rock-a-bye Baby Lyrics
The words to Rock-a-bye Baby, with simple actions to do together and a little history for curious grown-ups.
Rock-a-bye Baby full lyrics
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.
Traditional, public domain. Many families sing slightly different versions.
Watch our Rock-a-bye Baby video
See our guide to bedtime songs for babies for more lullabies.
Actions to do together
- Rock your baby gently in your arms.
- Sway side to side to the slow beat.
- Hum the tune once your baby is drowsy.
What your child learns
- A calm, predictable bedtime cue
- Listening to a slow, gentle rhythm
- Closeness and comfort
Where does Rock-a-bye Baby come from?
Rock-a-bye Baby is one of the best-known English lullabies and has appeared in print since the 1700s. Many families prefer to sing a gentler final verse.
Questions parents ask
Is there a gentler version of Rock-a-bye Baby?
Many parents change the last lines, for example: "When the bough bends, the cradle will sway, and Mummy will catch you and hold you all day."
When should I sing Rock-a-bye Baby?
It's traditionally sung while rocking a baby to sleep, but it works any time you want a calm moment.
