Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Richard HenryBuck

1471 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 old Kentucky,—

Close yo’ eyes in sleep.

Fly away,

Fly away, Kentucky Babe, fly away to rest,

Fly away,

Lay yo’ kinky, woolly head on yo’ mammy’s breast,—

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.