A lullaby from Myanmar

Shan Lullaby

Key: A minor~54 BPMGuitar & Piano chordsOriginal · Shan, Myanmar

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Shan Lullaby Lyrics. An original lullaby inspired by the Shan people of eastern Myanmar’s high plateau, related to the Tai peoples of Thailand and Laos, with a culture of Buddhist temples and highland farming. Every year, young Shan boys take part in Poi Sang Long, a colorful procession marking their temporary ordination as Buddhist novices — one of the most striking festivals of the Shan highlands. 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 highland plateau’s still,

Dm Am E7

the temple gold catches the light upon the misty hill.

Am Dm Am

Sleep now, little one, the market day is done,

Dm Am E7

tomorrow’s sun will climb these hills, to greet the rising sun.

In English

What the words mean

“Sleep now, little one, the highland plateau’s still, the temple gold catches the light upon the misty hill. Sleep now, little one, the market day is done, tomorrow’s sun will climb these hills, to greet the rising sun.”

Play it

Chords — guitar & piano

Guitar

Piano

Guitar

Piano

Guitar

Piano

Download free chord sheet (PDF)

Good to know

What “Shan Lullaby” Means

The Shan people of eastern Myanmar’s high plateau are related to the Tai peoples of Thailand and Laos, with a culture of Buddhist temples, highland farming, and vibrant market towns. This original lullaby draws on those highland temple images of Shan tradition.

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