Lalla, Lalla, Lalla
Many sources on the internet and in print say this is likely to be the oldest lullaby. It's from ancient Rome. We believe the Sumerian "Lullaby For a Son of Šulgi" is truly the oldest known cradle song.
Lalla, Lalla, Lalla
Lalla, Lalla, Lalla
Lullaby
Lullaby
(Latin)
(English)
Lalla, Lalla, Lalla,
aut dormi, aut lacta
Lalla, Lalla, Lalla,
Either sleep, or nurse*.
Notes
*Meaning "breastfeed"
Comments
No one is sure if the lyrics above make up the whole lullaby. They may be just the first two lines.
Thanks and Acknowledgements
This lullaby was found in a scholium (early commentary) on Persius.
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