What is the meaning of the nursery rhyme hush little baby?

July 01, 2009

3 Responses to “What is the meaning of the nursery rhyme hush little baby?”

  1. Gabrielle Says:

    The words and origin of the "Hush a bye baby" rhyme are said to have originated from America. It was the practice of some Native Americans to place a baby in the branches of a tree allowing the wind to gently rock the child to sleep "Hush a bye baby on the treetop". The meaning to the words of the song "Hush a bye baby" seem to match this explanation. The words to the "Hush a bye baby" song have the intention of making a child sleep it can therefore be correctly described as both a nursery rhyme and a lullaby! The words to the "Hush a bye baby" song were first published in 1765.

    "Hush a bye baby, on the tree top,
    When the wind blows the cradle will rock;
    When the bow breaks, the cradle will fall,
    And down will come baby, cradle and all."

    I hope this is the song your talking about, hope i helped!
    References :

  2. Brhee Says:

    It is the quintessential plea of the mother of a crying baby fo him to stop crying and fall asleep. The mother is willing to get the child anything- and if that doesn’t work- get him something else.

    Hush, little baby, don’t say a word
    Mama’s gonna buy you a mockin’bird

    If that mockin’bird don’t sing
    Mama’s gonna buy you a diamond ring

    If that diamond ring turns brass,
    Mama’s gonna buy you a looking glass

    If that looking glass gets broke
    Mama’s gonna buy you a billy goat

    If that billy goat don’t pull,
    Mama’s gonna buy you a cart and mule

    If that cart and mule turn over
    Mama’s gonna buy you a dog named Rover

    If that dog named Rover won’t bark
    Mama’s gonna buy you a horse and cart

    This continues on a while.Until the end where the mother simply gives up the materialistic approach and tells him he will be the sweetest no matter what.

    If that Horse and Cart fall down,
    you’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town
    References :
    http://www.nurseryrhymesonline.com/hush_little_baby-2355.php

  3. Stacey J Says:

    many nursery songs like this have no meaning, just repetitive soft sounds meant to lull baby to sleep.
    References :

Leave a Reply