[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A Dainty Southern Lullaby, 1900.
Words and music by Kittie Bingham.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. When de sun am sinking in de west
Dats de time my little honey
To close yo’ eyes an’ snuggle down to rest
In yo’ cozy little bed
Nebber mind de noisy little Kids
Hanging round the cabin sonny
Just dream away until de break of day
And rest your curly head
In de woodland trees, love
All de little birds am soundly sleeping
While de balmy southern breeze, love
Fans my little coon
Refrain
Close yo eyes my honey baby
Yonder shines de silbry moon
Slumber till tomorrow
You’ve not a care, a trouble or a sorrow
For yo’ mammy’s nigh to rock the cradle
And de sand man’s coming soon
If he finds my baby playing
What yo’ spose yo’ll hear him saying
‘Bout yo’ mammy’s little bright eyed coon
2. Possum’s in de hollow of de tree
Chickens roastin’ low my honey
Dey’re all asleep as sound as dey can be
Dreaming of my baby love
Mockingbird am talking to his mate
Out in yonder wood my sonny
And nightingales am singing in de vales
June bugs light up the grove
Tho’ our skin am black love
Still our hearts am jes as white as snow
And when old Gabriel sound de trumpet
Straight to heav’n will go