[Disclaimer: contains derogatory racial terms. No hatred is intended here. It is presented in its original form as a part of musical history.]
A 1896 plantation lullaby. Tempo di Schottische.
words by Richard Henry Buck
music by Adam Geibel
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The sheet music:
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Accompaniment:
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Lyrics
1. ‘Skeeters am a-hummin’ on de honeysuckle vine
Sleep, Kentucky Babe
Sandman am a comin’ to dis little coon of mine
Sleep, Kentucky Babe
Silvery moon am shinin’ in de heabens up above
Bob-o-link am pinin’ fo’ his little lady love
You is mighty lucky, Babe of old Kentucky
Close yo’ eyes in sleep
Chorus
Fly away, fly away Kentucky Babe
Fly away to rest
Fly away, lay yo’ kinky, woolly head
On yo’ mammy’s breast
Um, um, close yo’ eyes in sleep
2. Daddy’s in the canebrake wid his little dog and gun
Sleep, Kentucky Babe
Possom, fo’ yo’ breakfast when yo’ sleepin’ time is done
Sleep, Kentucky Babe
Bogie man’ll ketch yo’ sure unless yo’ close yo’ eyes
Waitin’ jes’ out side de doo’ to take yo’ by surprise
Bes’ be keepin’ shady, little colored lady
Close yo’ eyes in sleep
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Sung here by Fred Feild: