The melody of the famous lullaby was written by the world-famous composer Johannes Brahms. The lyrics were written in German by his friend and publisher Fritz Simrock. This translation is one of several that have become popular since 1868, the year the song was introduced in America.

Other lullabies speak warm, homey virtues. "Hush little baby, don't say a word/ Mama's gonna buy you a mocking bird" sings an Appalachian lullaby from the southern United States.