Say Darling Say

Let’s look at the old-time tune Say Darling Say (Say, Darlin’, Say).

Say Darling Say

Say Darling Say is an American Appalachian Old-Time version of the traditional children’s lullaby Hush Little Baby (Don’t Say A Word). The song was first popularized by Earnest “Pop” Stoneman & The Sweet Brothers.

Key Signature

Say Darlin’ Say is most commonly played in the key of D Major. Alternate keys include A Major.

Lyrics

Say, little darling, won’t you marry me,
Live in a holler ‘neath the old oak tree,
Say, darling, say.
‘Neath the old oak tree, we’ll make our home,
Nevermore this world to roam,
Say, darling, say.

Say, little darling, if you were mine,
You wouldn’t do nothing but starch and iron,
Say, darling, say.
Starch and iron would be your trade,
I’d get drunk and lay in the shade,
Say, darling, say.

Say, little darling, won’t you marry me,
Live in a holler ‘neath the old oak tree,
Say, darling, say.
Live in the holler ‘neath the old oak tree,
Children bouncing on daddy’s knee,
Say, darling, say.

Hush, little darling, don’t say a word,
Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird,
Say, darling, say.
If that mockingbird don’t sing,
I’m gonna buy you a diamond ring,
Say, darling, say.

If that diamond ring is brass,
Mama’s gonna buy you a looking glass,
Say, darling, say.
If that looking glass gets broke,
I’m gonna buy you a billy goat,
Say, darling, say.

If that billy goat won’t pull,
Papa’s gonna buy you a cart and bull,
Say, darling, say.
If that cart and bull falls over,
I’m gonna buy you a dog named Rover,
Say, darling, say.

If that dog named Rover don’t bark,
Mama’s gonna buy you a horse and cart,
Say, darling, say.
If that horse and cart fall down,
You’re still the sweetest little baby in town,
Say, darling, say.