Say A Little Prayer
Livingstone Orchestra & Singers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hush, little baby, don't you cry
Hush, little baby, don't say a word
Papa's gonna buy you a mocking bird
And if that mocking bird don't sing
Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring
Papa's gonna buy you a looking glass
And if that looking glass gets broke
Papa's gonna buy you a billy goat
And if that billy goat don't pull
Papa's gonna buy you a cart and bull
And if that cart and bull turn over
Papa's gonna buy you a dog called Rover
And if that dog called Rover don't bark
Papa's gonna buy you a horse and cart
And if that horse and cart turn 'round
You'll still be the sweetest little babe
(Still be the sweetest litte babe)
Still be the sweetest little babe in town
La, la, la, la, lullaby
Hush, little baby don't you cry
The lyrics of "Say a Little Prayer" by the Livingstone Orchestra & Singers convey a soothing and comforting lullaby-like message to a baby, encouraging them not to cry and assuring them of the care and love they will receive. The repeated use of the phrase "Hush, little baby, don't you cry" throughout the song creates a sense of security and protection for the child.
The lyrics depict a promise from a parent (presumably the father, referred to as "Papa") to provide the baby with various gifts if certain conditions are met. The imagery of buying a mockingbird, a diamond ring, a looking glass, a billy goat, a cart and bull, and so on, symbolizes the father's willingness to ensure the child's happiness and well-being, no matter what challenges or obstacles may arise.
The progression of gifts in the lyrics, from a mockingbird to a horse and cart, demonstrates a sense of escalation and determination on the father's part to fulfill his promises and take care of his child. The repetitive structure of the verses, with each conditional gift leading to another, reinforces the father's commitment and love for the baby.
Ultimately, the song concludes with a reaffirmation of the baby's sweetness and presence in the town, regardless of the material gifts that may or may not be acquired. The final reassurance that the baby will always be cherished and valued serves as a powerful and heartwarming message of unconditional love and support from a parent to their child.
Line by Line Meaning
La, la, la, la, lullaby
A soothing melody to calm and comfort
Hush, little baby, don't you cry
Quiet down, dear child, there's no need for tears
Hush, little baby, don't say a word
Just relax and stay silent, my dear
Papa's gonna buy you a mocking bird
Your father will provide you with a bird that imitates
And if that mocking bird don't sing
But if the bird does not produce sounds
Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring
He will then get you a valuable ring as compensation
And if that diamond ring is brass
Even if the ring is not as precious as expected
Papa's gonna buy you a looking glass
Your father will provide you with a mirror to see your reflection
And if that looking glass gets broke
And should the mirror break by accident
Papa's gonna buy you a billy goat
He will then get you a playful, domestic animal
And if that billy goat don't pull
In case the goat does not cooperate properly
Papa's gonna buy you a cart and bull
Your father will provide you with a cart and a bovine animal
And if that cart and bull turn over
Even if the vehicle and animal flip upside down
Papa's gonna buy you a dog called Rover
He will then get you a loyal canine companion
And if that dog called Rover don't bark
However, if the dog does not make any noise
Papa's gonna buy you a horse and cart
Your father will provide you with a majestic steed and a carriage
And if that horse and cart turn 'round
Even if the horse and carriage change direction unexpectedly
You'll still be the sweetest little babe
You will always remain the most endearing child
(Still be the sweetest litte babe)
Still be the sweetest little babe in town
Undoubtedly, you will be the most precious child locally
La, la, la, la, lullaby
A soothing melody to lull you back to sleep
Hush, little baby don't you cry
Quiet down once again, there's no need for sorrow
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind