A lullaby from Namibia

Himba Lullaby

Key: A minor~54 BPMGuitar & Piano chordsOriginal · Himba, Namibia

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Himba Lullaby Lyrics. An original composition offered as a gentle tribute to the Himba people, semi-nomadic cattle herders of northern Namibia’s Kaokoland region. Himba women coat their skin and braided hair in otjize, a paste of butterfat and red ochre that protects against the desert sun and gives them their striking, unmistakable look — a tradition passed from mother to daughter for generations. 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, little one, the red hills rest tonight,

Dm Am E7

the cattle bells have quieted now, beneath the fading light.

Am Dm Am

Sleep now, little one, the desert wind is low,

Dm Am E7

tomorrow’s sun will rise for you, and set the hills aglow.

In English

What the words mean

“Sleep now, little one, the red hills rest tonight, the cattle bells have quieted now, beneath the fading light. Sleep now, little one, the desert wind is low, tomorrow’s sun will rise for you, and set the hills aglow.”

Play it

Chords — guitar & piano

Guitar

Piano

Guitar

Piano

Guitar

Piano

Download free chord sheet (PDF)

Good to know

What “Himba Lullaby” Means

The Himba are semi-nomadic cattle herders of northern Namibia’s remote Kaokoland region. This page is an original composition — a gentle, respectful tribute inspired by the region’s red hills and pastoral life, not a translation of any traditional or sacred Himba song.

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