Empty is the cradle

05 Feb 02 - 08:24 PM (#643450)
Subject: Empty is the cradle
From: GUEST,Judy Cook

What can you tell me about this sentimental fragment of an 1800's song? Title, lyrics, author, tune? I found it quoted in a couple of obits (one in 1860's, one in 1897), so I'm guessing it was a well known song. I think it is probably the original for a parody I sing (also from the 1800s) called "The Donkey Song". Thanks for any help!
--Judy Cook

Baby left his cradle for the golden shore,
o'er the silvery water he has flown;
Gone to join the angels, peaceful evermore,
empty is the cradle, baby's gone.".

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05 Feb 02 - 08:47 PM (#643457)
Subject: RE: Empty is the cradle
From: MMario

Cradle's Empty, Baby's Gone
Words and Music by Harry Kennedy.
Oliver Ditson & Co., 1880.

levy box 105 item 034

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05 Feb 02 - 08:49 PM (#643459)
Subject: RE: Empty is the cradle
From: MMario

so either he "borrowed" the lyrics for the chorus or the publication Levy has is possibly a re-issue

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05 Feb 02 - 10:04 PM (#643497)
Subject: RE: Empty is the cradle
From: GUEST,Judy Cook

Many thanks, MMario!

The tune, as well, is close enough, that I think this is the basis for that "Donkey Song" from Wisconsin...what fun.

--Judy Cook

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06 Feb 02 - 04:43 PM (#644097)
Subject: RE: Empty is the cradle
From: GUEST,MCP

American Memory list this as the Greatest Hit for 1880 Greatest Hits 1870-85 Variety Music Cavalcalde

Mick

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06 Feb 02 - 07:24 PM (#644173)
Subject: RE: Empty is the cradle
From: GUEST,MCP

There are also copies of this in:

Music For The Nation - American Sheet Music 1870-85

Duke - Historic American Sheet Music

The Bodleian has 2 copies from the same publisher (Bertini, Gt.Marlborough St):

Firth b.28(5a/b) View 4

Firth b.28(4a/b) View 6

There is also a reference at Enoch Pratt Free Library - Maryland Broadside Verses

The Bodleian copies have only date range 1877-84, the American copies 1880 or 1870+ (collection). The Maryland Broadside verses index gave no date (although dates were given for a few of the others in the collection)

I came across an 1897 obituary with 2 lines quoted, presumably the 2nd of Judy's references. What was the source for the 1860 one?
Mick

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07 Feb 02 - 06:03 AM (#644394)
Subject: RE: Empty is the cradle
From: GUEST,MCP

I've had time to look a little more closely at the dates. The Duke copy is the same as the Levy one - 1880. The Music for the Nation is an instrumental medley but the same tune (different key) - 1881.

(Thanks to JC for virtually undetectable edit).

Mick

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