It is late, it is night
It is dark, there is no light
I croon a lullaby hereby
And silently flatter ma's baby
But baby can't listen, this baby in the cradle
Baby twirl in the cradle and loudly yell
'Twill fall, baby is not afraid of darkness
Mama please hurry home,things ain't well
And am trying, have said all things of worthiness
But baby can't listen, this baby in the cradle
Mama you said you were backing soon
But now it's too dark, and am too weary
Stars ain't shining, neither too the moon
And have tried every trick, and am teary
But baby can't listen, this baby in the cradle
The fire isn't lit, the cows not milked
And I can't lull baby to sleep, even though I wished
If you didn't find a vehicle, you should have walked
And i tell baby you'll be home,and it will be washed
But baby can't listen, this baby in the cradle
I can't take it out, 'twill fall
And have run out of patience, I'll cry
Ma' I'll cry, and you'll hush US all
And when the gate open,new lullabies I'd try
For baby will listen, this baby in the cradle