Hush, Little Pumpkin
Words by Sam & Erin
- Takes about:
- 3 minutes to sing
- Good for:
- In the bump, Newborn, Baby
- Tune:
- Our own tune, written for these words
The doorbell is quiet, the knocking is done, The witches and pirates went home, every one. Their costumes are hung up, the stories are read, It’s time for my pumpkin to snuggle in bed.
Hush, little pumpkin, the lantern burns low. Sleep in the light of its warm, golden glow.
The bats in the oak tree are folding up tight, They’ve wrapped up their wings and they’ve whispered goodnight. The owl on the gatepost gives one sleepy “Hoo”, Then tucks in her head, just the way you will too.
Hush, little pumpkin, the lantern burns low. Sleep in the light of its warm, golden glow.
The black cat is curled on the warm windowsill, Her purring grows softer, and then she is still. The moon has come up, big and round, in the sky. She’ll keep watch all night as the hours tiptoe by.
Hush, little pumpkin, the lantern burns low. Sleep in the light of its warm, golden glow.
The pumpkin outside wears a soft, sleepy grin. He’s smiling at everyone snuggled within. His candle is flickering, soft as can be, A warm little night light for you and for me.
Hush, little pumpkin, the lantern burns low. Sleep in the light of its warm, golden glow.
And you, little pumpkin, the best one of all, Are snuggled up close in my arms, warm and small. Your eyes are so heavy, your yawn is so deep, It’s time, little pumpkin, to drift off to sleep.
Hush, little pumpkin, the lantern burns low. Sleep in the light of its warm, golden glow.
Hush, little pumpkin.
Goodnight.
The End
About this song
Halloween is a big, noisy night. The doorbell keeps going, there are costumes and sweets and excited voices on the pavement, and a carved pumpkin grinning on every step. This song is for afterwards, when the last trick-or-treaters have gone home and the house is quiet again. Verse by verse, everything settles down: the bats, the owl and the cat all go to sleep, until only the moon and the pumpkin are left awake.
The idea at the heart of it is that the pumpkin on the doorstep changes. It was carved to look a bit spooky, but by bedtime its candle has burnt low and it glows like a night light, keeping watch while everyone sleeps. Lots of parents call their babies “little pumpkin” anyway, so by the end there are two pumpkins: the one glowing outside, and the one asleep in your arms.
How to sing it
- The music box plays the first verse and the “Hush, little pumpkin” chorus. Every verse fits the same tune, and the chorus comes back after each one.
- Each line has four strong beats. Sway from side to side on them (“door”, “qui-”, “knock-” and “done”) and let the little words in between float.
- On a sleepy night, sing the first verse and the last, with the chorus after each.
- After the last chorus, sing “Hush, little pumpkin” slowly and whisper “Goodnight”, or hum the chorus once more instead.
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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
- Length
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