| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 1471. Kentucky Babe |
| | | By Richard Henry Buck |
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| ’SKEETERS am a hummin’ on de honeysuckle vine,— | |
| Sleep, Kentucky Babe! | |
| Sandman am a comin’ to dis little coon of mine,— | |
| Sleep, Kentucky Babe! | |
| Silv’ry moon am shinin’ in de heabens up above, | 5 |
| Bobolink am pinin’ fo’ his little lady love: | |
| Yo’ is mighty lucky, | |
| Babe of old Kentucky,— | |
| Close yo’ eyes in sleep. | |
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| Fly away, | 10 |
| Fly away, Kentucky Babe, fly away to rest, | |
| Fly away, | |
| Lay yo’ kinky, woolly head on yo’ mammy’s breast,— | |
| Um—um—, | |
| Close yo’ eyes in sleep. | 15 |
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| Daddy ’s in de cane-brake wid his little dog and gun,— | |
| Sleep, Kentucky Babe! | |
| ’Possum fo’ yo’ breakfast when yo’ sleepin’ time is done,— | |
| Sleep, Kentucky Babe! | |
| Bogie man ’ll catch yo’ sure unless yo’ close yo’ eyes, | 20 |
| Waitin’ jes outside de doo’ to take yo’ by surprise: | |
| Bes’ be keepin’ shady, | |
| Little colored lady,— | |
| Close yo’ eyes in sleep. | |
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