Lulla-babies

In Germany I'll be an Au Pair to two young kids and I've been trying to plan for that, being thoughtful about what sort of material I need to bring with me for their entertainment and our relationships. So in procrastination of actually working on my thesis I've been looking into lullabies (okay not actually in procrastination, just this weekend while I have a draft being edited and I can't really do work anyways). I always hated the idea of children's music. It's engaging sure, but it's surface engagement. They like the songs about bouncing up and down and that damn frog who went a courtin'. But those songs don't challenge them, don't give them the opportunity to appreciate something real. So in choosing lullabies I want to learn I went looking for songs that are actual songs and just make beautiful songs for the middle of the night when your five-year-old has a nightmare. And after a LONG search, I've found my pick: "I'm Gonna Be" covered by Sleep At Last (thanks Greys Anatomy).

I love this song in real life, and have had so many great moments to the original, and I'm so excited to share it with these kids. It makes a beautiful lullaby and I think it will be a little more comforting and less melancholy a Capella.

In case you're wondering, I also came up with a list before finding this track of potential real songs turned lullaby.

1. "Never Neverland" from the Mary Martin Peter Pan (one of my fave movies as a kid)
2. "Distant Melody" also from Peter Pan and just beautiful
3. "Que Sera Sera" made famous by Dorris Day (something my Granny always sang to me)
4. "Where or When" the Harry Connick Jr. version
5. "You Belong To Me" the Jason Wade version
6. And "Lullaby" which I know from On The Rocks but is a little sad for a five year old.

I'm so excited for my thesis to be done so that I can get this (these) tune(s) down.

41 days until I leave people!