20 Lullaby Songs for Adults

Lullabies are not just for babies. In fact, many adults find comfort in the soothing melodies and lyrics of these classic songs.

Whether you’re trying to fall asleep, relax after a long day, or just need some calming background music, these 20 lullaby songs are sure to provide the relaxation you need. 

1. “Sleeping Gas” by The Teardrop Explodes

“Sleeping Gas” by The Teardrop Explodes is a dreamy and ethereal track with soothing vocals and a relaxed, laid-back beat.

Its lyrics explore the concept of being put into a deep sleep, possibly by some kind of gas, and dreaming of a better life.

2. “Hushabye Mountain” by Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

This classic lullaby, written by the Sherman Brothers and featured in the film “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” is a gentle and soothing song that tells the story of a parent tucking their child in for the night and promising to protect them while they sleep. Although it’s made for kids, it will also be a hit for adults.

3. “Flume” by Bon Iver

Released in 2007, “Flume” by Bon Iver is a haunting and introspective song with a soft, intimate sound. Its lyrics explore themes of isolation, longing, and the idea of being lost in a dream-like state.

4. “Brokedown Palace” by The Grateful Dead

“Brokedown Palace” by The Grateful Dead is a peaceful and melancholy song with a gentle, fingerpicking guitar and tender vocals. Its lyrics reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the idea of finding solace in rest and sleep.

5. “Holes” by Mercury Rev

“Holes” by Mercury Rev features soothing vocals and a relaxed, atmospheric sound. It explores themes of loss, loneliness, and the idea of finding comfort in the darkness and silence of night.

6. “Lovers of Today” by The Pretenders

This upbeat and catchy song, released in 1979, is a celebration of love and romance. Its lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their passions and emotions, even in the face of uncertainty and doubt.

7. “Lullaby” by The Cure

This melancholic and introspective track features a driving beat and wistful vocals. It explores themes of loss, longing, and the idea of finding solace in sleep and dreams.

8. “Amen Brother” by The Winstons

“Amen Brother” by The Winstons was released in 1969, is a funky and upbeat tune with a driving beat and catchy horn section.

It is perhaps best known for its use in the popular “Amen Break,” which has been sampled extensively in electronic and hip hop music.

9. “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” by Lykke Li

This soulful and intimate track, released in 2009, features a stripped-down sound and emotive vocals. Its lyrics explore the vulnerability and uncertainty of relationships, and the fear of losing love.

10. “Protection” by Massive Attack

“Protection” by Massive Attack is an atmospheric and moody track, released in 1994, features soothing vocals and a relaxed, laid-back beat.

Its lyrics explore themes of isolation, longing, and the idea of seeking refuge in the arms of a loved one.

11. “Sad and Beautiful World” by Sparklehorse

“Sad and Beautiful World” by Sparklehorse features a gentle, fingerpicking guitar and intimate vocals. The lyrics of this song can be related to loss, longing, and the idea of finding solace in the peacefulness of sleep.

12. “Your Song” by Elton John

This classic ballad is a timeless and romantic tune with a soaring melody and heartfelt vocals. It expresses the simple but powerful emotions of love and devotion.

13. “You Can Close Your Eyes” by James Taylor

“You Can Close Your Eyes” by James Taylor was released in 1971, and is a comforting and peaceful song about the love and protection of a parent.

Its lyrics encourage listeners to let go of their worries and find solace in the security of their relationships.

14. “Goodnight Moon” by Will Kimbrough

“Goodnight Moon” by Will Kimbrough is a lullaby that was inspired by the children’s book of the same name by Margaret Wise Brown.

It is a peaceful and soothing song that describes saying goodnight to various objects in a child’s bedroom. The song has a gentle, calming melody and lyrics that encourage rest and sleep, making it a suitable lullaby for adults.

15. “River Man” by Nick Drake

“River Man” has a peaceful and reflective atmosphere may help to relax and calm the mind, making it a good choice for a lullaby for adults. This track can still be streamed on all music platforms out there.

16. “Sleep” by Azure Ray

This next song is a slow, intimate song that features simple, hauntingly beautiful piano and guitar melodies, as well as ethereal harmonies and lyrics about longing for rest and escape.

The song’s dreamy, peaceful atmosphere may be conducive to relaxation and sleep, making it a suitable lullaby for adults.

17. “Strange and Beautiful (I’ll Put A Spell On You)” by Aqualung

“Strange and Beautiful (I’ll Put A Spell On You)” by Aqualung is a song that features a gentle, folk-inflected melody and lyrics about the power of love to be both strange and beautiful.

The song’s intimate and romantic atmosphere may be soothing and calming, making it a good choice for a lullaby for adults.

18. “I’m Only Sleeping” by The Beatles

“I’m Only Sleeping” is a rock song performed by the English rock band The Beatles. The song is known for its dreamy, psychedelic sound, which was created using innovative recording techniques such as backwards guitar tracks.

It has become one of the most popular and influential songs of the psychedelic rock genre.

19. “Only Shallow” by My Bloody Valentine

“Only Shallow” is a rock song by the Irish rock band My Bloody Valentine. The song is known for its use of distorted guitar sounds and unconventional song structure, and is considered a pioneering work of the shoegaze genre. It has been described as “a masterpiece of noise rock”.

20. “Lullaby of the Leaves” by Ella Fitzgerald

“Lullaby of the Leaves” was popularized by the American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. The song is known for its catchy melody and swinging rhythm, and has become a jazz standard, covered by numerous artists. Nothing beats soothing jazz music before dozing off to sleep.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, lullaby songs have a soothing and calming effect that can be beneficial for adults as well as children.

Whether you’re struggling with insomnia, feeling anxious, or simply need a moment of relaxation, these 20 lullaby songs can provide a sense of comfort and peace.