Waltz song and lullaby, 1886.
words and music by Effie I. Canning
This classic lullaby has been referenced in many other songs and contexts. Some of the chorus words are not very comforting.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- Baby is sleeping so cozy and fair
While mother sits near in her old oaken chair
Her foot on the rocker the cradle she swings
And though baby slumbers he hears what she sings
Lullaby:
Rock-a-bye, 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
Oh rock-a-bye, rock-a-bye, mother is near
Then rock-a-bye, rock-a-bye, nothing to fear
For angels of slumber are hovering near
So rock-a-bye, baby, mother is here
- Grandma sits knitting close by the fireplace
With snowy white hair and a smile on her face
The years have passed by, yet it does not seem long
Since she rocked baby’s papa to sleep with that song - Dear little baby, their joy and their prode
Long may he be with them whatever betide
The kitchen, the cradle, that tender refrain
In mem’ry will linger that lullaby strain
Sung here by Fred Feild: