Guest Steve says: Its all about context I agree. However as a white person, if my mum had sung that one to me when I was a child I'd be wanting to erase it from my memory.

Actually Nana Sullivan used to sing Mammy's Little Coal Black Rose to us, her grandchildren. She did it straight and from her heart - she dearly loved the song. As a child what I heard was a mother comforting her baby and reassuring him that he is as beautiful as a perfect rose.

Nana also sang Only Me which usually draws a snicker now as a tear jerker. But I can tell you that I have never loved one child more than another or even one cat more than another. The song had a profound effect on me - and Nana loved it dearly and sang it straight from her heart.

These are memories I cherish. Did I know, even then, that pickaninny was not an acceptable word in polite company - yes. Am I careful where I sing the song. Yes. But I will never be ashamed of knowing and loving it. It is a cherished part of my childhood.