Lover's Lullaby
Janis Ian · Other Songs - Janis Ian
Mama's boy is torn assunder
All the fields have gone grey
All the leaves are gone brown.
Let me tell you a story
Lay down, I know your weary
While the star's are in the sky
While the moons on the rise.
Lay down and don't you wake 'til mornin'
Close your eyes and helpless through the night
Lay down and dream of love and glory
This is a lover's lullabye.
There once was a magician
Fair he was, and handsome
Well, he brought to the table
All the fool's gold and wine.
And he promised us three favors
Said he was a saviour
But we drank all his glory
And we borrowed all his time.
Lay down and don't you wake 'til mornin'
Close your eyes and helpless through the night
Lay down and dream of love and glory
This is a lover's lullabye, my love
Sleep tight, my love
Softly fade away
The moon was made of old green cheese
To keep the night away.
Softly now, close your eyes
Lightly will fade
The moon was made for wakefull boys
To keep the night away.
Lay down, and don't wake 'til mornin'
Close your eyes all through the night
Lay down and dream of love and glory
This is a lullabye.
Lay Down, and don't wake 'til mornin'
Close your eyes all through the night
Lay down in all your glory
This is a lullabye
This is a lullabye.
About Lover's Lullaby
Janis Ian's "Lover's Lullaby" stands as a poignant example of her signature confessional style, blending folk and pop sensibilities with deeply personal narrative. Recorded during a period where Ian began to assert her own voice within the folk revival, the track reflects her characteristic ability to transform intimate emotional experiences into universal resonances. The song's lyrical focus on the quiet complexities of romantic devotion aligns with her broader body of work, which often explores themes of love, loss, and the nuances of human relationships. As a solo recording, it captures the raw vulnerability that defined her early career, offering listeners a glimpse into the quiet moments that often precede or follow significant emotional shifts. The composition remains a testament to Ian's skill in crafting melodies that support heartfelt storytelling without relying on overt production, ensuring the emotional core of the song remains the primary focus for audiences.