Sheet Music, 1910-1919
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ISBN
MUM00682, 0070
Description
Cover: drawing of an older African American woman sitting in a rocking chair with a child on her lap; description reads a southern croon; Publisher: Victor Kremer Co. (Chicago)
Subject Headings (Library of Congress)
Songs -- United States -- 20th Century; Popular Music -- United States
Relational Format
music score
Original Format
scores
Original Collection
Sheldon Harris Collection (MUM00682), Archives and Special Collections, University of Mississippi Libraries
Finding Aid
Lyrics
Lyrics:
First verse
Little colored child, He's been running wild, Running all the live-long day, Must be tired out, Must be just about Ready no to seek the hay; Mammy sits right near Pickaninny dear Nothing's goin' to harm him, no, Mammy she, her watch will keep, While her little boy's asleep On his pillow white as snow.
Chorus
Time to sleep and rest, In your cozy nest, Time to close those little lids down tight; Other kids like you, They are sleeping too, Waiting for tomorrow's sunshine bright, When the new dawn breaks, Pickaninny wakes, Little Puff of Smoke, Goodnight.
Second verse
Little shining star, In the sky afar, Tells my boy to go to sleep, Go to sleep and rest, On your mammy's breast, While the angels watch will keep; Sweetest dreams will come to my sugar plum To my little hearts delight, Cuddle down and shut your eyes, Waking with the bright sunrise, Little Puff of Smoke, Goodnight.
(Chorus)
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Some of the images and language that appear in the digital collections depict prejudices that are not condoned by the University of Mississippi. This content is being presented as historical documentation to aid in the understanding of both American history and the history of the University of Mississippi. The University Creed speaks to our current deeply held values, and the availability of this content should not be taken as an endorsement of previous attitudes or behavior.