Iraqi lullabies often carry a tender ache of their own — a mother’s quiet longing for a loved one far from home — folded gently into the songs sung to help a child drift off to sleep.
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Verse 1
C F C
Sleep now, little one, though the road is long,
F C G7
mother’s arms will hold you close and sing our quiet song.
Verse 2
C F C
Father’s far away tonight, but his love is always near,
F C G7
close your eyes, my little one, there is nothing here to fear.
Play it
Chords — guitar & piano
C
Guitar
Piano
F
Guitar
Piano
G7
Guitar
Piano
Good to know
What this song means
Iraqi lullabies are known for a particular tenderness — often carrying a mother’s quiet longing for a husband or loved one who is far from home, woven gently into the melody meant to send a child to sleep. That mixture of sorrow and comfort, sung low and unhurried, has carried Iraqi families through generations of separation and reunion alike.
Traditional Iraqi lullaby style. The English lyrics are an original singable arrangement offered as a respectful tribute to the tradition’s themes of love and longing.
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