Little Brown Baby

Little brown baby, With sparkling eyes, Come to your daddy And rest in his arms; The stars are bright, And the moon is high; Sleep, pretty baby, The night’s in your daddy’s arms.

Little brown baby, With curly, black hair; Hon, just a little Down in your sleep; While your daddy is watching The night wind’s drift; Rest your sweet head, dear, For the night is deep.

Little brown baby, With your dreams so sweet; While the music is calling From the branches high; Rest your sweet head, dear, And let dreams unfold— Your daddy is with you, While the stars shoot by.

Little brown baby, The night winds sigh; Sleep, pretty baby,
And breathe your soft breath;
The stars will watch over
While the night winds play— Sleep, little dreamer;
Come smile for the day.

• Paul Laurence Dunbar