[WARNING: this song contains racial stereotypes. It is presented in its original form as a part of music history.]
a 1922 southern lullaby
words by Fred G. Bowles
music by Robert Anthony
This song may have come from England to Australia. The cover says “printed by arrangement with Cary & Co., London.” Thank goodness it is being made available through NLA. I think of this is an art song.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. Five little piccaninnies fall fast asleep
Five little piccaninnies seven times a week
The wind comes a spankin’ at the window pane
The wind comes a spankin’, an’ the fallin’ rain
Refrain
Hush! Hush! ma piccaninnies dear
Mammy’s in the cabin an’ there ain’t no fear
Yo’ curly heads on yo’ little pillows keep
Rain may be a fallin’, but sleep, sleep, sleep
2. Five little piccaninnies wake up in the night
Five little piccaninnies trembling with fright
Mammy comes in to them, strokes each curly head
Smoothes each little pillow as they snuggle back to bed
Sung here by Fred Feild: