Top 10 Best Lullabies in Musicals

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (1968)
This children’s musical film, based on the novel by Ian Fleming of James Bond fame, follows Caractacus Potts, a widowed inventor and father of two young children. Caractacus struggles to make ends meet despite the creativity of his inventions, inspiring his children to offer him their chest of imaginary treasures to sell to make some extra money. Touched by his children’s generosity and innocence, Caractacus, played by the legendary Dick Van Dyke, sings them to sleep with this idyllic lullaby. This sweet moment shows how deeply Caractacus cares for his children and what a wonderful father he is in spite of his financial struggles.

“42nd Street” (1980)
Probably the least traditional lullaby on this list, this song is an ode to the hustle and bustle and the bright lights of Broadway, and it’s anything but soothing and relaxing. Originally written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin in 1935, this classic song was an obvious choice to be included in the Broadway-themed jukebox musical “42nd Street.” In the musical, this song is used to talk shy chorus girl Peggy Sawyer out of going back to her small town in Pennsylvania, by showing her all the fun and glory she could be part of by staying on Broadway. Although not your typical lullaby, for Broadway fans this song perfectly encompasses all that we love about the Great White Way.

“Crazy for You” (1992)
The jukebox musical “Crazy For You” features songs from the iconic songwriting duo of brothers George and Ira Gershwin, and this song is undoubtedly the most ethereal and beautiful song in the show. If you recognize this song but haven’t heard of “Crazy For You,” you’ve likely heard one of the famous renditions by singers like Ella Fitzgerald or Frank Sinatra. This song became a classic jazz standard over the last century, and we can see why. The beautiful melody combined with slightly lonesome and melancholy lyrics paint a stunning musical picture, and hopefully this song will maintain its popularity for years to come.

“The Music Man” (1957)
Librarian and piano teacher Marian Paroo has no one to say goodnight to after one of her piano lessons, so she simply says goodnight to her “someone.” This results in a heavenly, albeit somewhat lonesome, lullaby about longing for someone special while also wishing good things for that someone, wherever they may be. It’s a peek into the prim and proper Marian’s secret romantic side, and gives the audience a hint that she may find her “someone” by the end of the show. But most of all, it’s a classic song that transcends even its famous musical origin to become a beautiful standalone lullaby.

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (1979)
You kind of have to completely ignore the context for this song to appreciate it as a heartfelt lullaby, but once you do we promise it’s worth it. Sweet, innocent Tobias sings “Not While I’m Around” to express his apprehension about Sweeney Todd to Mrs. Lovett, pledging to her that he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her and keep her safe. Unbeknownst to Tobias, Lovett is in on Todd’s murderous schemes, helping him get rid of the bodies by baking them into her pies. Gruesomeness aside, lyrically and melodically this song makes for a stunning lullaby, and one that perfectly captures the protective instinct a parent feels for their child - or vice versa sometimes.

“White Christmas” (1954)
This song is the heart of this Christmas movie featuring the timeless music of Irving Berlin. “Count Your Blessings” takes that old advice, to count sheep to help you fall asleep, and gives it a grateful twist. Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney sing this enduring song that was inspired by Irving Berlin’s doctor, who advised the songwriter to try counting his blessings as a cure for his insomnia. Though this song is often played at Christmas time, the lyrics actually never refer to the holiday. With that in mind, we say it’s fair game to play this lullaby year-round; gratitude shouldn’t be limited to just one season.

“The Color Purple” (2005)
This heartbreaking, critically acclaimed musical based on the film and novel of the same name brought us this haunting lullaby sung by young Celie to her newborn son. Tragically cut from the 2023 film adaptation, “Somebody Gonna Love You” is a highlight of both the original Broadway cast recording and the 2015 revival recording. Notably, in the revival Celie was played by Cynthia Erivo, with the singer’s smooth melodic voice bringing us to tears long before she took our breath away as Elphaba in the film adaptation of “Wicked.” Simple yet moving and full of love, this lullaby easily brings a hushed atmosphere of awe over a Broadway audience.

“Mary Poppins” (1964)
This melodic Sherman Brothers song combined with the dreamy voice of Julie Andrews could soothe any stubborn child to sleep, and perhaps even some adults as well. The lyrics are deliberately contradictory to the calming melody, which fits the unconventional nannying style of Mary Poppins, as she urges the Banks children to keep their eyes open and stay awake. Of course just as Poppins intended, this results in the opposite, with the children struggling to fight their drowsiness as their eyelids grow heavier. Even Poppins’ lullabies are practically perfect in every way, once again demonstrating how she’s the ideal nanny.

“Hamilton” (2016)
Although this is the newest musical on this list, “Dear Theodosia” from “Hamilton” has quickly become one of the most beloved lullabies in Broadway history. Towards the end of Act 1, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr sing this touching song to their infant children, expressing reverent awe for the innocence and potential held within them. “Hamilton”’s composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda has described this song as “the calm in the storm of our show,” and shared that he wrote this song during a difficult time in his life as well. For parents especially, this song is a real tearjerker, and we expect this lullaby to stay popular for many years to come.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Making Counting Sheep a Little Easier

Young Cosette’s Dream of an Imaginary World

“The Sound of Music” (1959)
One of the most enduring songs from this classic musical, “Edelweiss” is a simple yet elegant song that is meaningful both in and out of the musical it originates from. In “The Sound of Music,” “Edelweiss” is the song that represents the Captain’s loyalty to his homeland, as a form of protest against the Nazi annexation of Austria. Outside of the story, this song was the last song Rodgers and Hammerstein ever wrote together. A dignified ending to an illustrious collaborative career, the duo’s legacy will live on for decades to come through this classic lullaby beloved by parents of all generations.


Did our list put you to sleep? Let us know in the comments – when you wake up.