The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #11512   Message #2432178
Posted By: Steve Gardham
05-Sep-08 - 04:38 PM
Thread Name: Favorite Lullabies
Subject: RE: Favorite Lullabies
Nice thread.
We have a nice family lullaby that runs through at least 4 generations so far. It appears to be part of a 19th century medley of sentimental songs. The first 2 verses to their own tune come from a 19thc broadside 'The Soldier's Poor Little Boy'

Early pearly snow on the ground
The wind was bitter and cold
When a poor little beggar boy came rolling up
Up to a rich lady's door.

The lady sat in her window so high
And loudly she did call
'Come in, come in, you poor little boy
And you shall have a warm'

(spoken) ..and this is the story he told
(Tune ..Bayley's 'Home sweet home')
'I am a poor little beggar boy
My mother she is dead,
My father is a drunkard
And sends me up to bed (alt. And will not give me bread)
I sit beside the window to hear the organ play
God bless my dear old mother who's dead and far away.'

Apart from that I always used to put on a High-level Ranters LP and plod up and down with one of my sons over my shoulder singing along with the tracks. 'Adam Buckham 0' etc. They took a lot of getting to sleep!