Roma Lullaby (Kosovo)

Key: A minor~55 BPMGuitar & Piano chordsOriginal · Roma, Kosovo

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Roma Lullaby (Kosovo) Lyrics. An original lullaby inspired by the Roma and Ashkali communities of Kosovo, known for a strong tradition of brass-band music passed down through generations. Roma brass musicians traditionally learn entirely by ear rather than from written notation, passing tunes down aurally from one generation of players to the next, and a single wedding celebration can keep a brass band playing for days at a stretch, with music considered essential to any proper celebration. Here you will find the lyrics, meaning, and chords.

Sing & play

Lyrics & chords

An original arrangement, with guitar & piano chords above each line.

Verse

Am Dm Am

Sleep now, daj’s little one, the brass band rests tonight,

Dm Am E7

the wedding drums have quieted now, beneath the fading light.

Am Dm Am

Sleep now, little one, the trumpet’s song is near,

Dm Am E7

tomorrow’s sun will rise for you, and chase away all fear.

In English

What the words mean

“Sleep now, daj’s little one, the brass band rests tonight, the wedding drums have quieted now, beneath the fading light. Sleep now, little one, the trumpet’s song is near, tomorrow’s sun will rise for you, and chase away all fear.”

Play it

Chords — guitar & piano

Guitar

Piano

Guitar

Piano

Guitar

Piano

Download free chord sheet (PDF)

Good to know

What “Roma Lullaby (Kosovo)” Means

“Daj” means mother in Romani. The Roma and Ashkali communities of Kosovo carry a strong tradition of brass-band music, passed down through generations and central to weddings and family celebrations across the region. This original lullaby draws on those festive and musical images of Roma life in Kosovo, with “daj” used as a warm address rather than a literal translation.

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