Nursery Rhymes›African Lullabies›Nne, Nne, Nwa M
Nne, Nne, Nwa MNne, Nne, Nwa M
A lullaby from Nigeria

Nne, Nne, Nwa M

Key: A minor~58 BPMGuitar & Piano chordsOriginal · Igbo, Nigeria
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Nne, Nne, Nwa M Lyrics. An original lullaby inspired by the Igbo cradle-song tradition of southeastern Nigeria, where evenings after the yam harvest bring families together under the moon. 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, nne is here by your side,
Dm Am E7
the yams are safely gathered in, the moon climbs high and wide.
Am Dm Am
Sleep now, little one, the compound’s gone to rest,
Dm Am E7
tomorrow’s sun will find you held close upon my chest.
In English

What the words mean

“Sleep now, little one, mother is here by your side, the yams are safely gathered in, the moon climbs high and wide. Sleep now, little one, the compound has gone to rest, tomorrow’s sun will find you held close upon my chest.”
Play it

Chords — guitar & piano

Am
x
Guitar
CEA
Piano
Dm
xx
Guitar
DFA
Piano
E7
Guitar
EBG#
Piano
Good to know

What “Nne, Nne, Nwa M” Means

Among the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, evenings after the yam harvest were traditionally a time for family gathering, storytelling under the moon, and lullabies sung by mothers and grandmothers. “Nne” is the Igbo word for mother, often used as a term of affection for children too. This original lullaby, sung in English, draws on those themes of harvest, moonlight, and the safety of the family compound — offered as a respectful tribute to Igbo family tradition.

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Sources & rights

  • An original lullaby by Relax In No Time, inspired by the musical traditions of its region. The words, melody, arrangement and recording are ours.
  • Recording and arrangement: real instruments played by hand, no AI music, by Relax In No Time.
  • Chords: written by us for guitar and piano.
  • Translation: our own meaning-for-meaning translation, written for understanding. The sung words stay in the original language.

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