Kathryn Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 As I lie here holding DD and listening to "Lullaby of London" (the Pogues) for the thousandth time because she wakes up and screams when it stops, it occurs to me that each of my babies had a different song that was THE go-to for calming them. My first was "Edelweiss" (the Sound of Music); my second was "Waltzing Matilda" (The Pogues). Just last week, my 4yo was throwing a screaming fit and I randomly played "Waltzing Matilda" and he stopped.Did your children have certain songs that calmed them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 I sang this to our youngest, hummed it, played it. It's a tragic song, but it's haunting and beautiful. Mo Ghile Mear off the Chieftain's Long Black Veil album, one of my all time favorite albums in the world. http://youtu.be/auSa0YfkxFE Oldest loved this one, Joan Baez version of The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. It's off a live album called Ring Them Bells and it is also a treasure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsMommy Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 My oldest loved "O Little Town of Bethlehem" (the less common tune). He really seemed to recognize it when he was born. I think he enjoyed listening to it in utero right before he was born, when I was working on our church's Christmas program! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Yes, the Gloria Patria, Gloria in Excelsis, and Kyrie. I am certain that she recognized them from hearing me sing them in church so often before she was born. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Lulu* Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Yes. Punk- She Hates Me- Puddle of Mudd, Crazy Game- Indigo Girls, Lascia ch'io pianga- Handel, Baby Mine- Dumbo Sister- Lascia ch'io pianga- Handel, Baby Mine- Dumbo, It's Alright- Third Day Bug- Lascia ch'io pianga- Handel, Baby Mine- Dumbo, Little Black Backpack- Stroke 9, Come Thou Fount- Hymn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seeking Squirrels Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 For my second it was Honestly by Vota. I don't remember any specific song for oldest. I do remember having honestly on repeat in the car for long drives. I used to love that song myself... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 The third would pause in her screaming for Beastie Boys' "Sabotage." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathryn Posted June 18, 2014 Author Share Posted June 18, 2014 I sang this to our youngest, hummed it, played it. It's a tragic song, but it's haunting and beautiful. Mo Ghile Mear off the Chieftain's Long Black Veil album, one of my all time favorite albums in the world. http://youtu.be/auSa0YfkxFE Oldest loved this one, Joan Baez version of The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. It's off a live album called Ring Them Bells and it is also a treasure. Beautiful song! Thank you for the link. Funny we both had Waltzing Matilda lovers. :) My oldest loved "O Little Town of Bethlehem" (the less common tune). He really seemed to recognize it when he was born. I think he enjoyed listening to it in utero right before he was born, when I was working on our church's Christmas program! Yes, the Gloria Patria, Gloria in Excelsis, and Kyrie. I am certain that she recognized them from hearing me sing them in church so often before she was born. That's so sweet that that you both had little ones love songs they heard repeated in utero. Yes. Punk- She Hates Me- Puddle of Mudd, Crazy Game- Indigo Girls, Lascia ch'io pianga- Handel, Baby Mine- Dumbo Sister- Lascia ch'io pianga- Handel, Baby Mine- Dumbo, It's Alright- Third Day Bug- Lascia ch'io pianga- Handel, Baby Mine- Dumbo, Little Black Backpack- Stroke 9, Come Thou Fount- Hymn Looks like they had a lot in common! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 My youngest would calm down if I sang "how much is that doggy in the window..." I sang that song a lot. I had a baby brother who would only stop screaming if my mom sang the Mendelsohn violin concerto to him. My mom complained that that song was meant to be played on violin not sung! Mom helped my older sister practice the concerto a lot while baby brother was still in the womb, we figure that is why he liked it so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momacacia Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Secondborn: Waltzing Matilda (the original ;)), because I could fit her name in for Matilda. Firstborn: Lollipop from the 50s made her happy in the car Thirdborn: goes to sleep to the hymn "Like a River Glorious" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawthorne44 Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Dance Little Baby by ... oh darn I forget her name. Beautiful voice, most popular as a folk singer in the 70's. I would have the computer play it on repeat. In fact, I called it the "Torture (DH's name) song". He hated it. He really really hated it the 200th time that morning. I had other songs I sang when she wasn't crying and just needed to calm a bit. "Hush Little Baby" was popular. Although I am forgetful and "buy you something else" was frequently inserted. I think it was "The Happiest Baby" book where he talked about loud fast songs being needed for a crying baby, and lullabies for when they are already calm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MistiDelaney Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Caboose Boy would settle down and listen any time DH sang Mad John by The Small Faces or Danny Boy. Favorite for changing time was The Grand Old Duke of York. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 My oldest dd who is disabled has always responded to music. I always sang to her and still sing to her, though now I have backup with music on the iPhone! But before I had that, she could be getting a blood draw and be rocking and growling, and if I started to sing to her she would calm immediately. It's our party trick. Many medical technicians and nurses have been most impressed with us! But I sang to all of my babes and each had her own special song (my oldest always got my whole repertoire, so she got her sisters' songs too): oldest: They Were You from The Fantasticks middle: Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany's youngest: "A" You're Adorable--don't know where it came from but they sang it in oldest's kindergarten class and youngest was born that year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 When DD was a baby I used to sing You Are My Sunshine. Last year, we were at a big convention and DD15 had what we think was a panic attack but that lead to hyperventilating. The first aid at the convention worked with her doing the bag thing for about 45 minutes and couldn't get it to stop. The nurses and DH and I were trying everything...counting....talking...etc. Very scary! We were headed to the ER, me in the back seat of the car with her helping her hold the bag over her face. I started singing You Are My Sunshine. Her crazy-panic eyes locked on mine...and she eventually stopped hyperventilating and started breathing normally. I literally had not sung that song out loud since she was probably 3 years old. *sniff* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 SweetChild... her song was Sweet Child o'Mine by Guns & Roses. She HATED my singing, and once told me "You don't sing anymore, Mommy!" But rock music soothed her... :coolgleamA: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 The third would pause in her screaming for Beastie Boys' "Sabotage." :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Lulu* Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 SweetChild... her song was Sweet Child o'Mine by Guns & Roses. She HATED my singing, and once told me "You don't sing anymore, Mommy!" But rock music soothed her... :coolgleamA: I had gigs with bands pretty consistently while pregnant with all three kids. So we were not terribly surprised when all three enjoyed music with a solid bass line! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I talk to the trees Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 "I Love Trash" and "Country Roads". I sang other songs to her, but those two were her bedtime songs, and she would drift right off when she heard them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis never failed to settle our kid. He's 17 and still listens to it before big exams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I talk to the trees Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 I had gigs with bands pretty consistently while pregnant with all three kids. So we were not terribly surprised when all three enjoyed music with a solid bass line! Interesting. I was in grad school, and playing piccolo in the orchestra when dd was born. We played Stravinsky's Petrushka (well, the rest of the orchestra did. She was born on the morning of the concert, so I missed it!) She has never cared for Firebird or Rite of Spring, but she has always enjoyed Petrushka. I have always wondered if it is because she was a captive audience for it so many times! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Lulu* Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Interesting. I was in grad school, and playing piccolo in the orchestra when dd was born. We played Stravinsky's Petrushka (well, the rest of the orchestra did. She was born on the morning of the concert, so I missed it!) She has never cared for Firebird or Rite of Spring, but she has always enjoyed Petrushka. I have always wondered if it is because she was a captive audience for it so many times! They all have very eclectic tastes. I think it has to do with the fact that I was doing gospel/bluegrass/rock with live bands in addition to classical Italian art songs and vocal exercises with my vocal students and in my own rehearsal time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 I often sing "I'm Going To Go Back There Someday" which...uhh...it is from the Muppet Movie. They also like this song about a crocodile and a shark song that were actually camp songs and they have hand gestures. :lol: Camp is great for fun baby songs. Ds is nearly six, I just sang all those songs just last night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 I sang Amazing Grace to all 3 of my children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 My favorite singer/group since 1991 is Juan Luis Guerra/440. They are based in the Dominican Republic (Republica Dominicana). When DD was a baby, my wife would have a CD on, playing, frequently, one of my favorite songs. Probably "Bachata Rosa". I need to ask my wife which song it was. I would "dance" with DD and she would fall asleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 My oldest was a big fan of Barry Manilow sings Sinatra. Calmed him down like nothing else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73349 Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Not when he was a baby, but later. He likes Evermore (Alison Krauss) and Three Little Birds (Bob Marley). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Oldest: We had a CD with Wheels on the Bus on it and that would calm him in the car. It was track #7 and there were several time as frazzled new parents that dh or I would be shouting at the other in the car, "Number 7! Quick!" To calm him when I rocked him it was Only In God is My Soul at Rest which is from Psalm 62. Middle Son: We made up a song roughly to the tune of Farmer in the Dell that we would sing him in the car. Our last name rhymes with car so it involved us singing over and over his name and then "this is the song we sing to you when riding in the car". It had a bunch of other verses like " Son's name, you really are a star" or "If you want to be a lawyer you have to pass the bar" or "Klinger on MASH was played by Jamie Farr." :) Dh and can still sing most of it which annoys the kids greatly now. When being rocked he liked Skinnamarinky dinky dink. Daughter: She didn't need a car song, she had her brothers to look at and distract her. :) When being rocked she liked Amazing Grace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbecueMom Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 The Halo soundtracks worked like a charm for DS5. DH would hum the theme to him on those sleepless nights during his infancy. Sometimes I'll turn it on (I have the CDs for the 2nd and 3rd games) and it still calms him down a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsrevmeg Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 My oldest liked any and all music. My middle son loved Cuddle Up a Little Closer. He even used to sing it to his favorite teddy bear. My youngest son loved the songs on a Crystal Lewis concert video we had. If he was fussy, all we had to do was pop that video in and he would almost instantly calm down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Not one song, but when I was in the hospital after giving birth to my second, I had a hard time falling asleep until I realized it was because oldest's Barney CD wasn't playing in the background like it was every night at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Well, don't shoot me, but I sang Roxanne by The Police to my first baby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 I love Juan Luis Guerra! It's nice to find others who like his music,too! I realize you are in South America, where he is quite popular; he is not so well known here in Alabama. :) My favorite singer/group since 1991 is Juan Luis Guerra/440. They are based in the Dominican Republic (Republica Dominicana). When DD was a baby, my wife would have a CD on, playing, frequently, one of my favorite songs. Probably "Bachata Rosa". I need to ask my wife which song it was. I would "dance" with DD and she would fall asleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Well, don't shoot me, but I sang Roxanne by The Police to my first baby. That totally counts as a classic. And if it makes you feel better, my friend just admitted to me that her daughter's favorite lullaby is Jonathan Coulton's version of Baby Got Back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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