Hush A By Baby

'Hush a by baby, on the tree top,
When the wind blows the cradle will rock;
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall,
And down will come baby, cradle and all.'

This well known lullaby is still sung today to babies all over the world. It is thought to have been written by one of the ‘Pilgrims’ (religious emigrants) who sailed to America on the ship The Mayflower in 1620. The author may have been inspired to write the lullaby after witnessing the Native American practice of hanging a baby’s cradle in a tree to rock them to sleep in the breeze.

Listen to Hush A By Baby.

Hush, Little Baby

Hush, Little Baby is another traditional lullaby and again we do not know who wrote it or when, although it is thought to be American (mockingbirds are from the American continent). The lyrics promise all kinds or rewards to the child if he or she is quiet.

Listen to Hush, Little Baby.

'Hush, little baby, don't say a word,
Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird.

And if that mockingbird don't sing,
Mama's going to buy you a diamond ring.

And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Mama's going to buy you a looking glass.

And if that looking glass gets broke,
Mama's going to buy you a billy goat.

And if that billy goat won't pull,
Mama's going to buy you a cart and bull.

And if that cart and bull turn over,
Mama's going to buy you a dog named Rover.

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

And if that horse and cart fall down,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.'