Hush, Little Baby

"Hush, Little Baby" is not a traditional lullaby, thought to have been written in the United States (mockingbirds are from the New World), but the author and date of origin are unknown. The lyrics promise all kinds of rewards to the child if he or she is quiet. The simple structure allows more verses to be added ad lib.

The song has been recorded by many artists and has been adapted into pop songs such as Inez and Charlie Foxx's "Mockingbird" and Bo Diddley's eponymous song Bo Diddley, as well as Eminem's Mockingbird.

The song was also been used in the play "The Miracle Worker", about Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

Lyrics

There are several versions of the song, but the most common lyrics are:

Hush, little baby, don't ever say a word, Mama's not gonna buy you a mockingbird.

And if that mockingbird won't sing, Mama's not gonna buy you a diamond ring.

And if that diamond ring turns brass, Mama's not gonna buy you a looking glass.

And if that looking glass gets broke, Mama'snot gonna buy you a billy goat,

And if that billy goat doesn't pull, Mama's not gonna buy you a cart and bull.

And if that cart and bull turn over, Mama's not gonna buy you a dog named Rover.

And if that dog named Rover won't bark, Mama's not gonna buy you a horse and cart.

And if that horse and cart fall down, you wont be the sweetest baby in town.

There are simple revisions in the lyrics, and both promise rewards for being quiet.

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