At the Music Hall: Goodnight Children, Everywhere

Vera Lynn

Goodnight children everywhere,
Your mommy thinks of you tonight.
Lay your head upon your pillow -
Don't be a kid or a weeping willow.
Close your eyes and say a prayer,
And surely you can find a kiss to spare.
Though you are far away,
She's with you night and day.
Goodnight children everywhere...



During the Second World War, most London children were evacuated to the countryside for their own protection as the city was being bombed, and were, therefore, separated from their parents. Celebrated singer of the 1940’s, Vera Lynn, recorded this morale-boosting song early in 1940 as a means of comforting both these unfortunate, dispersed children as well as their parents. The song, a lullaby, was meant to remind both child and parent that they were still together—if not in the same location.



And, yes, it does sound like "The Best Things in Life are Free" for a few bars at the start.