Few things sound as soothing as a lullaby – on the surface, at least. Pay closer attention to the lyrics however, and you might feel differently.
Most lullabies are much darker than the tunes they’re sung to might signal; even the popular nursery rhyme Rock-a-Bye Baby, which ends with the baby plummeting to the ground, is relatively tame when compared to some popular lullabies from around the world.
Using IBM’s Watson tool we analysed the tone of 6 of the creepiest lullabies we could find, to get a better understanding of the themes and emotions that are hidden behind the deceptively-soothing harmonies.
There are many theories regarding the scary nature of lullaby lyrics and although it may seem counter-productive to sing scary songs to children, there may be some logical reasons behind it.
Sing the unsung
When you’re alone with your child, lullabies provide an ideal opportunity to sing the unsingable; a place where you can express your feelings about society. This perhaps explains why so many lullabies and nursery rhymes contain references to historical events.
Sing away your fears
Another explanation suggests the mother uses the lullaby to sing away her fears to their newly-born child, in the comfort of physical togetherness. Often, the fears embody the mother’s worry about loss – as childhood death was far more common in years gone past.
Protection
In ancient Babylon, lullabies were sung as magical charms to protect sleeping children.
Strengthening bonds
In the past, new mothers often took sole responsibility for their newborns, and raising a child alone is no easy feat. What better way to strengthen their bond than by terrifying the child into compliance?!
Nana Nenê: Brazil
Hush little baby.
Cuca is coming to get you,
Papa went to the fields, mama went to work.
Black-faced ox,
Come grab this child
Who is scared of grimaces.
Papao Bicho, get off the roof
Let this child sleep peacefully
Themes and elements:
- The Cuca
- Bicho Papão
- Child Abandonment
- A child-grabbing ox
Watson fear rating:
46%
Notes:
Nana Nene is packed full of nasty creatures. The first being the “Cuca”, an ugly, crocodile-faced woman who kidnaps sleeping children and only sleeps for one night every seven years. Bicho Papão is a mutant being that can take on the form of a bug and is attracted to disobedient children, whom it will eat. ( source)
Dodo Titit: Haiti
Night-night little mama,
Night-night little mama,
If you don’t sleep, the crab will eat you
If you don’t sleep, the crab will eat you.
Your mama isn’t here, she went to the market,
Your papa isn’t here, he went to the river,
If you don’t sleep, the crab will eat you
If you don’t sleep, the crab will eat you.
Themes and elements:
- A child-eating crab
- Child abandonment
Watson fear rating:
11%
Notes:
Once the baby is asleep, parents often end the lullaby with a victorious “Sleep, little one, the crab’s in the gumbo”. ( source)
Bíum, bíum, Bambaló: Iceland
Bium, bium, bambalow,
Bambalow and dillidillidow.
My little friend I lull to rest.
But outside
A face looms at the window.
Themes and elements:
- Gibberish
- A lurking creature
Watson fear rating:
23%
Notes:
Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós recorded a haunting version of the lullaby which featured storms, blizzards and the famously long Icelandic winters.
Tili Tili Bom: Russia
Tili tili bom, close your eyes now
Someone’s walking outside the house
And knocks on the door
Tili tili bom, the night birds are chirping
He is inside the house
To visit those who can’t sleep
He walks. He is coming… closer
Tili tili bom, can you hear him closing in?
Lurking around the corner
Staring right at you.
Tili tili bom, the silent night hides everything
He sneaks up behind you
And he is going to get you
He walks. He is coming… closer
Themes and elements:
- A murderous prowler
- Child abduction
- Absolute, paralysing terror
Watson fear rating:
41%
Notes:
It’s uncertain whether or not this is a traditional lullaby, or a modern one. The song’s origins appear to lie in the 2007 Russian horror film ‘Trackman’ – but it could also be inspired by the traditional Russian rhyme “Tilly Bom”.
Duermete Nino: Spain
Sleep my baby,
Sleep, baby, do!
The bogeyman's coming
And he will take you.
Sleep my baby,
Sleep, baby, do!
The bogeyman's coming
And he will eat you.
Themes and elements:
- A bogeyman
- Child abduction
- Being eaten
Watson fear rating:
14%
Notes:
Sang to the tune of Rock-a-Bye Baby, this common Spanish lullaby features the Coco, similar to the Brazilian Cuca, but with the ability to take on many different forms.
Incili Bebek Ninnisi: Turkey
Above black eagles wheeling,
All of a sudden swooping,
My little baby stealing. Sleep, little baby, sleep.
Above black eagles soaring,
A crown of pearls left lying,
Your stupid father snoring. Sleep, little baby, sleep.
Above black eagles flying,
My little baby clutching,
And all the world a-spying. Sleep, little baby, sleep.
Above black birds ascending,
My baby’s flesh a-rending,
And all the world attending. Sleep, little baby, sleep.
Themes and elements:
- Child abduction & neglect
- Black eagles
- Bloodshed
Watson fear rating:
25%
Notes:
This lullaby is part of a larger story involving a couple who begged the gods for a child in return for the sacrifice of three camels. Once the child was born, the father changed his mind and kept the camels, leaving the vengeful gods to exact their revenge.
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