"Hush Little Baby" redirects here. For the song by British rapper Wretch 32, see Hush Little Baby (Wretch 32 song). For the novel by Caroline B. Cooney, see Hush Little Baby (novel).

"Hush, Little Baby" is a traditional lullaby, thought to have been written in the Southern United States. Like most folk songs, the author and date of origin are unknown. The lyrics promise all kinds of rewards to the child if he or she is quiet. The simple structure allows more verses to be added ad lib.

The song has been performed and recorded by many artists including Joan Baez, Regina Spektor, Nina Simone, The Weavers and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Additionally, the song has been adapted into pop songs such as Maurice King's "Hambone," Inez and Charlie Foxx's "Mockingbird" and Bo Diddley's eponymous song Bo Diddley, as well as Eminem's Mockingbird.

Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Etta James, Taj Mahal and Dusty Springfield popularized an R&B remix Mockingbird.


2016 saw this song recorded by Violinist Vov Dylan for the album "World Lullabies" which is acting as a fundraiser for Starlight Foundation[1]



Hush, little baby, don't say a word,
Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird.

And if that mockingbird don't sing,
Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring.

And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass.

And if that looking glass is broke,
Mama's gonna buy you a billy goat,

And if that billy goat won't pull,
Mama's gonna buy you a cart and a bull.

And if that cart and bull turn over,
Mama's gonna buy you a dog named Rover.

And if that dog named Rover won't bark,
Mama's gonna buy you a horse and a cart.

And if that horse and cart fall down,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.

So hush little baby, don't you cry.
Daddy loves you and so do I.



  1. ^ "World Lullabies". Sanity. Retrieved 2017-01-27. 

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