Richard Henry Buck

Kentucky Babe

'Skeeters am a hummin' on de honeysuckle vine,—

Sleep, Kentucky Babe!

Sandman am a comin' to dis little coon of mine,—

Sleep, Kentucky Babe!


Silv'ry moon am shinin' in de heabens up above,

Bobolink am pinin' fo' his little lady love:

Yo' is mighty lucky, Babe of ol' Kentucky,—

Close yo' eyes in sleep.


Fly away, Kentucky Babe, fly away to rest,

Lay yo' kinky woolly head on yo' mammy's breast,

Um,—Um,—um,—um,—

Close yo' eyes in sleep.


Daddy's in de cane brake wid his little dog and gun,—

Sleep, Kentucky Babe!

'Possum fo' yo' breakfast when yo' sleepin' time is done,—

Sleep, Kentucky Babe!

Bogie man 'll catch yo' sure unless yo' close yo' eyes,

Waitin' jes' outside de doo' to take yo' by surprise,

Bes' be keepin' shady, Little colored lady,—

Close yo' eyes in sleep.