Howard's Cradle Song - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
HOWARD'S CRADLE SONG. Copyright, 1883. by J. F. Martindale. Words by Henry J. Savers. Music by Frank Howard. 
In a thatch-covered cot at the bend of the road, That leads to the far distant town, A mother sits singing her baby to sleep, For the sun it is fast going down, And the baby's bright eyes are heavy with sleep, Still a white chubby arm fondly clings Round that tired mother's neck, as she rocks to and fro, And this old-fashioned lullaby sings: 
Chorus. Bye-low, baby Bunting, papa's gone a hunting To get a little rabbit-skin to wrap his baby in 
Now the twilight's gray shadows are shading the day, And the hills wear a sun-guilded crest. The mother stops singing, sweet smiles light her face. And the baby lifts his head from her breast, An echoing foot-fall is heard drawing near, The door opens wide, baby springs Into papa's strong arms, that will hold baby close To his heart while for baby he sings:-Chorus.