BY RICHARD HENRY BUCK

Skeeters am a hummin’ on de honeysuckle vine,
Sleep, Kentucky Babe!
San’man 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, 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 canebrake 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!
Close yo’ eyes in sleep.