Hush, Little Baby by Jean Murphy

Jean Murphy (1943); Norwegian/American; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Midwestern American prairies. “Hush, Little Baby.” She improvised words. The Sleep comes to her in a dark blue green. Sinking into. Smell of damp forests. Soft, repetitions, low tones are good.

Hush, little baby, don’t say a word,

Mama’s gonna buy you a buffalo turd,

If that buffalo turd don’t stink,

Mama’s gonna buy you a kitchen sink.

If that kitchen don’t drain

Mama’s gonna buy you a candy cane.

If that candy cane gets broke,

Mama’s gonna buy you a 10-cent coke.

If that 10-crnt coke gets spilled,

Mama’s gonna buy you a window sill.

If that sill gets cracked,

Mama’s gonna buy you a jumping jack.

If that jamping jack won’t pump

Mama’s gonna buy you a water pump.

If that water pump don’t work,

Mama’s gonna buy you a soda jerk,

If that jerk soda runs away,

Mama’s gonna buy you a Chevrolet,

If that Chevrolet breaks down,

You’ll still be sweetest little baby in town.

"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. (Wikipedia)

There are several versions of the song, but the most common lyrics are:

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.

0151-0152