Uploaded February 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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One of my favorite lullabies, which I accompany here on mountain dulcimer. This song has many lyrical similarities to “Froggy Went A Courtin’” but has been around as its own independent song for nearly 400 years!
This version, learned from Jean Ritchie’s “Children’s Songs and Games from the Southern Mountains” record is a Kentucky version learned from her sister Kitty. Lyrcis below!

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Lyrics

Saw a crow a-flyin’ low
Kitty alone, kitty alone.
Saw a crow a-flyin’ low
Kitty alone alone a-lye;
Saw a crow a-flyin’ low
And a cat a-spinnin’ tow
Kitty alone a-lye,
Rock-a-ma rye ree.

In came a little bat, etc.
With some butter and some fat, etc.

Next come in was a honey bee, etc.
With his fiddle around his knee, etc.

Next come in was two little ants, etc.
Fixing around to have a dance, etc.

Next come in was little Pete, etc.
Fixing around to go to sleep, etc.

Bee-o, bye-o, baby-o, etc.
Bye-o, bee-o, baby-o, etc.