Rock-a-bye baby on the tree top
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock.
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall,
Down will come cradle, baby and all.
Nursery rhymes and lullabies are a very important part of the lives of babies and young children. This simple early 18th century rhyme, which can be sung or chanted, has been charming generations of children for nearly 300 years. It is perhaps the most famous of all lullabies and has many versions, including 'hush-a-bye baby'. It may have originated from Pilgrims observing the practice of native American mothers who placed babies on low, rocking branches to soothe them.
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