Lovers in Lullaby
Fives Lyrics

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Won't you play the music so the cradle can rock
To a lullaby in ragtime
Sleepy hands are creeping to the end of the clock
Play a lullaby in ragtime
You can tell the sandman is on his way
By the way
That they play
As still, as the trill, of a thrush, in a twilight high

So you can hear the
Rhythm of the ripples on the side of the boat

As you sail away to dreamland
High above the moon you hear a silvery note
As the sandman takes your hand
So rock-a-by my baby
Don't you cry my baby
Sleepy-time is nigh
Won't you rock me to a ragtime lullaby
So rock-a-by my baby

Don't you cry my baby

Sleepy-time is nigh
Won't you rock me to a ragtime lullaby

Overall Meaning

In "Lovers in Lullaby" by Five, the lyrics paint a serene and comforting picture of a lullaby being played to soothe and put a baby to sleep. The opening lines, "Won't you play the music so the cradle can rock, To a lullaby in ragtime," evoke the image of someone gently rocking a cradle while playing a nostalgic and gentle ragtime melody on a piano. The mention of "sleepy hands creeping to the end of the clock" signifies that it is bedtime, and the lullaby is meant to help the baby drift off to sleep. The sandman, a figure associated with sleep and dreams, is hinted at with the line "You can tell the sandman is on his way, By the way, That they play, As still, as the trill, of a thrush, in a twilight high." This suggests that the lullaby being played is as soothing and tranquil as the sounds of nature at twilight.

As the lullaby continues, the lyrics describe the sensation of being transported to dreamland. The mention of ripples on the side of a boat creates an auditory imagery, allowing the listener to imagine the gentle rocking motion and the soothing sound of water. The phrase "High above the moon you hear a silvery note" suggests a mystical and ethereal atmosphere, as if the baby is floating above the moon and hearing a magical sound that guides them into slumber. The chorus repeats the plea to "rock-a-by my baby" and underscores the idea of the lullaby being a comforting and nurturing presence.

Overall, "Lovers in Lullaby" portrays the power of music to calm and ease the listener into a peaceful sleep, creating a tranquil and idyllic lullaby experience.

Line by Line Meaning

Won't you play the music so the cradle can rock
Please play music to gently rock the cradle

To a lullaby in ragtime
To a soothing and rhythmic lullaby

Sleepy hands are creeping to the end of the clock
Tired hands are slowly moving towards the end of the clock

Play a lullaby in ragtime
Perform a gentle and rhythmic lullaby

You can tell the sandman is on his way
You can sense that the sandman is coming soon

By the way
Through the manner

That they play
In which they perform

As still, as the trill, of a thrush, in a twilight high
As calm as the melodious song of a thrush in the evening sky

So you can hear the
Allowing you to listen to the

Rhythm of the ripples on the side of the boat
Pattern of the gentle waves hitting the boat's side

As you sail away to dreamland
While you journey towards the land of dreams