General information about item: 

• Verbal Folklore
• Childhood Lullaby
• Language: English
• Country and State of Origin: Connecticut, US 
• Informant: Maggie O’Gorman 
• Date Collected: 11-01-21

Informant Data: 

• Maggie O’Gorman is a female Dartmouth student in the class of 2022. She was born and raised in Connecticut by her father. During her time at Dartmouth, Maggie plays Division 1 lacrosse and sings in an acapella group. In her time away from Dartmouth, Maggie enjoys community service, especially with her father. Given that grew up in a single-parent household as an only child, Maggie mentioned that her and her father have a very close relationship. 

Contextual Data:

• Social Context: This lullaby was sung to her, among others, before going to bed when she was young. It sends the message that no matter what happens to the person (little baby) he or she has nothing to fear, and that Papa (in Maggie’s case) would be given things to make her feel better. This message of this lullaby meant a lot to Maggie, as she mentioned that her father has always been her backbone. 

• Cultural Context: This lullaby is a traditional, American lullaby. When singing this lullaby, she mentioned “Papa” as opposed to “Mama,” which demonstrates that the lullaby had interchangeable lyrics.

Item: 

Hush little baby, don’t say a word

Mama/ Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird

And if that mockingbird won’t sing, 

Mama/ Papa’s gonna buy you a diamond ring 

And if that diamond ring turns brass, 

Mama/ Papa’s gonna buy you a looking glass

And if that looking glass gets broke, 

Mama/ Papa’s gonna buy you a billy goat 

And if that billy goat won’t pull 

Mama/ Papa’s gonna buy you a cart and bull 

And if that cart and bull fall down

You’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town

Recording:

Informants Comments: This lullaby helped me fall asleep and always made me feel safe and protected with my Dad. I remember hearing someone sing using “Mama” instead of “Papa,” when I was younger, and tried to correct them because I thought the lyrics were wrong.

Collectors Comments: I found this lullaby and interview to give me an interesting perspective on how lullabies can be shifted and formed to match the identity of the deliverer. I remember this lullaby sung by my mother to me, and although Maggie remembers the lyrics with a slight difference, it is still sending the same message. 

Collector’s Name: Emma Macaione