Lullaby for Laika
“Lullaby for Laika" is a tender, atmospheric song inspired by the first dog sent into space. Piper uses a delicate arrangement and layered vocals to imagine her journey with reverence and compassion. Beneath its celestial imagery, the song is an intimate meditation on grief, helplessness, and the aching desire to bring a beloved animal home.
Listen (2024 Version)
Spotify
Apple Music
YouTube Music
Bandcamp
“One of the most beautiful songs ever written.”
— YouTube listener
“Your voice is so hauntingly beautiful.”
— YouTube listener
“Heart-wrenching and very lovely.” — YouTube listener
Lyrics
Credits (for re-release 2026)
Laika, my love
As they strapped you in
Did you give them all a kiss
Sent above
All the oxygen
Where the air is thin
And this is what I would've told you
If I had gotten the chance to
Laika, I hope that it's magical
Hope that it's dazzling
Hope that it's brilliant
Laika, I hope it's spectacular
Hope you see stars up there
Hope that it's billions
And I can suppose
But I'll never know
And more than it all
I wish I could bring you home
Laika, my dear
Were you terrified
When they sent you high into space
Pioneer
Now that big blue ball
Is too far away to chase
I cry, here in the hallway
Wish I was by your side ever and always
Laika, I hope that it's magical
Hope that it's dazzling
Hope that it's brilliant
Laika, I hope it's spectacular
Hope you see stars up there
Hope that it's billions
And I can suppose
But I'll never know
And more than it all
I wish I could bring you home
I just want to bring you home
Composition and Lyrics: Ellis Piper
Recorded by Ellis Piper
Produced, mixed & mastered by Ellis Piper
Vocals, viola, auxiliary instruments: Ellis Piper
Release date: May 17, 2024
Release type: Album (Adjacent to Alright)
Label: Independent, Starbird Records
Genres: Singer-songwriter, indie folk, chamber pop
Language: English
