Geoff Muldaur was a founding member of the Jim Kweskin Jug Band which Maria later joined. After the Kweskin Jug Band broke up, the Muldaurs produced two albums together.
Their first album, Pottery Pie, was released on Warner Brothers Records in 1969. It was on this album that the Muldaurs recorded "Brazil" (original title "Aquarela do Brasil") which became the title inspiration and the opening theme for Terry Gilliam's 1985 film Brazil. After recording Pottery Pie, the Muldaurs moved to the burgeoning folk, blues and folk-rock in Woodstock, New York. They separated in 1972, shortly after Geoff joined Paul Butterfield's Better Days group.
Both Muldaurs went on to record solo albums.
Prairie Lullaby
Geoff & Maria Muldaur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everything is sleeping - ah, but the nightingale
Moon will soon be climbing in the purple sky
Night winds all a-humming this tender lullaby.
Cares of the day have fled
My little sleepyhead
Time that the prayers were said
My little sleepyhead
To a prairie lullaby
Saddle up your pony
The sandman's here
To guide you down the trail of dreams
Tumble in bed my tired
My little sleepyhead,
To a prairie lullaby
Saddle up your pony
The sandman's here
To guide you down the trail of dreams
Tumble in bed my tired
My little sleepyhead
To a prairie lullaby
The song Prairie Lullaby by Geoff and Maria Muldaur is a tender and calming lullaby that has been inspired by the beautiful prairies of America. The opening lines "Shadows slowly creeping down the prairie trail, everything is sleeping- ah, but the nightingale" brilliantly captures the peaceful and undisturbed life on the prairies. The song describes how the moon will soon rise in the purple sky and the night winds will hum a gentle lullaby that will soothe and put the little ones to sleep.
The lyrics of the song emphasize the feelings of safety and warmth, which can only be found in a parent's love. The lines "My little sleepyhead, to a prairie lullaby" display the intimacy and closeness shared by a parent and child. Everything seems perfect and complete in the moment, and the worries of the day have vanished. The comforting feeling of being enveloped in parental love will never disappear. The final lines, "Tumble in bed my tired, my little sleepyhead to a prairie lullaby", create the image of a peaceful night's sleep, full of sweet dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Shadows slowly creeping down the prairie trail
The sun has set and darkness is slowly approaching on the prairie.
Everything is sleeping - ah, but the nightingale
Although most things are asleep, the nightingale is awake and singing.
Moon will soon be climbing in the purple sky
The moon will soon rise and light up the sky with a purple hue.
Night winds all a-humming this tender lullaby.
The gentle night winds are creating a soothing melody for those who listen.
Cares of the day have fled
The worries and troubles of the day have disappeared.
My little sleepyhead
My small child who is ready for rest and sleep.
Stars are in the sky
The stars are shining brightly in the night sky.
Time that the prayers were said
It is time to say your prayers before going to sleep.
To a prairie lullaby
Listen to the calming and soothing sounds of the prairie as you fall asleep.
Saddle up your pony
Get ready for bed and prepare yourself for a restful night.
The sandman's here
The mythical figure who brings sleep is present and ready to help you rest.
To guide you down the trail of dreams
The sandman will lead you to a peaceful and pleasant dreamland.
Tumble in bed my tired
Climb into bed, my weary child.
My little sleepyhead
My small child who is ready for rest and sleep.
To a prairie lullaby
Listen to the calming and soothing sounds of the prairie as you fall asleep.
Contributed by Landon M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.