Dance a baby, diddy;
What can a mammy do wid ’e?
Sit in a lap, give it some pap,
And dance a baby, diddy.
Smile, my baby, bonny;
What will time bring on ’e?
Sorrow and care, frowns and grey hair,
So smile my baby, bonny.
Laugh, my baby, beauty;
What will time do to ’e?
Furrow your cheek, wrinkle your neck,
So laugh, my baby, beauty.
Dance, my baby, deary;
Mother will never be weary,
Frolic and play now while you may,
So dance, my baby, deary.
Baby, baby, naughty baby!
Hush, you squalling thing, I say!
Hush this moment, or it may be
Wellington will pass this way.
And he’ll beat you, beat you, beat you,
And he’ll beat you into pap;
And he’ll eat you, eat you, eat you,
Gobble you, gobble you, snap, snap, snap.
SOUTHERN INDIA