Hush Little Baby
Joan Baez feat. Peter Yarrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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,
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.
The song "Hush Little Baby" is a traditional lullaby that has been passed down through generations. The lyrics follow a mother's promise to her baby that she will provide for them and ensure their happiness, even in the face of disappointment or adversity.
The opening lines, "Hush, little baby, don't say a word, Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird," set the tone for the rest of the song. The mother promises to give her child a gift if the previous one fails to meet their expectations. The mockingbird represents the first gift, and if it fails to sing, the mother promises to buy a diamond ring. She continues to promise gifts, including a looking glass, a billy goat, a cart and bull, and a dog named Rover, ensuring that her child will be taken care of regardless of what happens.
The song is not just about the material gifts the mother will provide, but also about the love and dedication she has for her child. This lullaby is a reminder that parents want the best for their children and will always do their best to take care of them.
Line by Line Meaning
Hush, little baby, don't say a word,
Don't worry or make a sound, just rest and sleep.
Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird.
Your mother promises to buy you a beautiful bird that chirps sweetly.
And if that mockingbird don't sing,
In case the bird does not sing as promised,
Mama's going to buy you a diamond ring.
Your mother will get you a valuable piece of jewelry to show her love.
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
If the ring loses its value and quality,
Mama's going to buy you a looking glass.
Your mother will gift you a mirror to let you see yourself as a precious and important person.
And if that looking glass gets broke,
If the mirror breaks,
Mama's going to buy you a billy goat.
Your mother will buy you a goat with soft wool and a beard as a new pet.
And if that billy goat won't pull,
In case the goat does not cooperate,
Mama's going to buy you a cart and bull.
Your mother will provide a cart and a strong bull to pull it for you as transportation.
And if that cart and bull turn over,
If the cart and bull overturn,
Mama's going to buy you a dog named Rover.
Your mother will gift you a loyal and friendly dog to protect and accompany you.
And if that dog named Rover won't bark,
If the dog does not bark and warn you of danger,
Mama's going to buy you a horse and cart.
Your mother will provide you with a smarter and faster horse and cart as means of transportation.
And if that horse and cart fall down,
If the horse and cart stumble and fall,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.
But even then, you will remain the most important, loved and cherished baby in the town.
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
firebleeder
R.I.P