Mockingbird
Peter Paul & Mary (Children's) Lyrics
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Pappa's gonna buy you a mockingbird
If that mockingbird don't sing
Pappa's gonna buy you a diamond ring
If that diamond ring turns brass
Pappa's gonna buy you a lookin' glass
If that lookin' glass gets broke
If that billy goat don't pull
Pappa's gonna buy you a cart and bull
If that cart and bull turns over
Pappa's gonna buy you a doggie named Rover
If that dog named Rover don't bark
Pappa's gonna buy you a horse and cart
If that horse and cart fall down
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town
The song "Mockingbird" by Peter, Paul, and Mary is a lullaby that assures the child of their parents' love and promises to provide them with various things if they need it. In the lyrics, the father promises to buy a mockingbird for the child to sing if the child is upset or crying. If the bird does not sing, the father will buy a diamond ring for the child. If the ring turns into brass or breaks, the father promises to buy a looking glass. Similarly, the father pledges to buy a billy goat, a cart and bull, a dog named Rover, and a horse and cart, for the child if the previous things fail, but no matter what, the child will always be the sweetest little baby in town.
The song's lyrics represent a typical parent or guardian's attitude towards their child. They will do everything in their power to assist the child, making them feel comfortable and loved, even if it requires buying exotic things like animals. The song focuses on a series of escalating acquisitions and shows how a single disappointment can lead to a chain of events.
Line by Line Meaning
Hush little baby, don't say a word
Please be quiet, baby, and don't say a thing
Pappa's gonna buy you a mockingbird
Dad will buy a mockingbird for you
If that mockingbird don't sing
If the mockingbird doesn't sing
Pappa's gonna buy you a diamond ring
Dad will purchase a diamond ring
If that diamond ring turns brass
If the diamond ring loses its value
Pappa's gonna buy you a lookin' glass
Dad will get you a mirror
If that lookin' glass gets broke
If the mirror breaks
Pappa's gonna buy you billy goat
Dad will buy a billy goat for you
If that billy goat don't pull
If the billy goat can't do its job
Pappa's gonna buy you a cart and bull
Dad will get you a cart and bull
If that cart and bull turns over
If the cart and bull fall over
Pappa's gonna buy you a doggie named Rover
Dad will buy a puppy and name it Rover
If that dog named Rover don't bark
If the dog doesn't bark
Pappa's gonna buy you a horse and cart
Dad will buy a horse and cart for you
If that horse and cart fall down
If the horse and cart fall over
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town
You will always be the cutest and most adorable baby
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: REGINA SPEKTOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind