Translated by A. Z. Foreman - Negro Lullaby lyrics

Hushaby, hushaby, sweet little one Destined to live as a "Negress' son," with silver teeth and brown skin, my delight, "hey boy" to the rich, and "n******g" to whites. "Negress' son", hushaby, hushaby Mama's heart's shaking. You don't know why. Your Pa's gone to work for some whites. Don't hear. Dear little baby, don't feel my fear. Hushaby hushaby, lovely one, On a cradle of flowers, in a shirt of the sun. Swing-a-ling in the winking wind all mild Just as if you were a white lady's child. Hushaby, hushaby, son, but prepare: White Mistah's nets are spread everywhere For a fine black kid with a fine black head. Just like the whites', our heart beats red.