After my son was born, getting him to fall asleep was a challenge. The nighttime routine was simple; bath, read, feed then sleep. As easy as it sounds, my son never went down easily and rarely slept through the night. Ten months of long, late nights coupled with sleep deprivation proved to be a great test of resiliency and will. Music was our saviour. Not only did it get us through the long nights, but it’s a natural remedy to soothe a crying child, boost connection and nurture the parent-child bond.
Most children’s music sucks. Don’t get me wrong, the classic lullabies are great. Twinkle Twinkle, You are my sunshine… that’s all I could bare. Instead, I thought of this idea when serving my time in the trenches. Along the way with my firstborn, I started collecting tracks that I thought had great lyrics, warm vibes and loving tones. Songs, I enjoyed listening to, gave me an emotional boost, and had lyrics I enjoyed.
Now I don’t necessarily sing the entire song as a lullaby. I usually pick out certain lyrics from a verse, sub out any profanity and ad-lib as I see fit. The point is, fucking sing! Sing your own songs, the ones you like, the ones that have stuck with you. It can make those long nights more bearable, fun, and meaningful.
Here are some of my favourites.
Song: Easy – Mac Ayres
Lyrics: https://genius.com/Mac-ayres-easy-lyrics
I discovered this track in the summer of 2020.
Listen and feel the soft tones, gentle beat and summer vibes.
Music is powerful.
They say time travel doesn’t exist.
But music can take us to a place in our past.
And also give us solace during our current strife.
Song: If Only – Raveena
Lyrics: https://genius.com/Raveena-if-only-lyrics
My favourite verse
When I was younger and I didn’t know better
Living with these wolves, hurting for pleasure
Some kind of angel took me out of the jungle
From your blue nights
Into sunlight
This one is perfect for late nights.
Raveena’s tranquillity is palpable and sets the mood for relaxation and warmth.
The chorus, “You’re saying, if only, I could get over you.”
I dedicate this song to the daughter I never had (sorry boys, but not really).
Song: Love song – Maria Isabel
Lyrics: https://genius.com/Maria-isabel-love-song-lyrics
“I’m doing the best I can, I hope it’s enough.“
Every parent’s prayer to the angels of fate.
Maybe we can’t keep them safe, but we can keep them loved.
This a stoic reminder to let go of what is out of our control, and focus on the most important task we have: love.
Keep on singing and keep on giving your all.
SG
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