Slumber My Darling on mountain dulcimer, arrangement by Dusty Thorburn. Played in 1-5-8 (DAd). Used with permission. The lullaby naturally prompts visions of young children peacefully sleeping. However, the vision of composer Stephen Foster (1826-1864) was of the passing of a child, the parent having to release the darling to slumber with the angels. Alison Krauss and others have made the song famous and with its range of meanings, the lullaby has touched many hearts and minds.

Lyrics:

Slumber, my darling, thy mother is near
Guarding thy dreams from all terror and fear
Sunlight has passed and the twilight has gone
Slumber, my darling, the night's coming on.
Sweet visions attend thy sleep
Fondest, dearest to me
While others their revels keep
I will watch over thee.

Slumber, my darling, the birds are at rest
The wandering dews by the flow'rs are caressed
Slumber, my darling, I'll wrap thee up warm
And pray that the angels will shield thee from harm.
Slumber, my darling, till morn's blushing ray
Brings to the world the glad tidings of day
Fill the dark void with thy dreamy delight
Slumber, thy mother will guard thee tonight.
Thy pillow shall sacred be
From all outward alarms
Thou, thou are the world to me
In thine innocent charms.

Slumber, my darling, the birds are at rest
The wandering dews by the flow'rs are caressed
Slumber, my darling, I'll wrap thee up warm
And pray that the angels will shield thee from harm.