Long before the rising sun
I'm forced to leave my bed
To fetch the morning firewood
And get the table spread

I'll rock the cradle, Annie
I'll rock the cradle on
I'll rock the cradle, Annie
And keep the babies warm

I'll stir the morning porridge
And give the eggs a turn
Be quick, be quick, not lazy
Or one or both will burn

I'll rock the cradle, Annie
I'll rock the cradle on
I'll rock the cradle, Annie
And keep the babies warm

There's morning rain a-falling
There's laundry on the line
I hear the kettle calling
I hear the babies crying

I'll rock the cradle, Annie
I'll rock the cradle on
I'll rock the cradle, Annie
And keep the babies warm

I'll rock the cradle, Annie
I'll rock the cradle on
I'll rock the cradle, Annie
And keep the babies warm