Rock-a-bye Baby

"Rock-a-bye baby" is such a well-known Mother Goose nursery rhyme.  Written with several different variations and popularized in song, it could mean, and has been interpreted to mean, so many different things (political, historical or maternal/post-partum feelings).  I think, in an attempt to explain what appears to be a very negative situation!  But what if it actually describes a joyous event?

One interpretation I haven't found yet, and which seems plain to me, is that it could describe the process of birth.  The tree top (Mom) is high up indeed for a little baby.  The wind blows (Mom or Mother Nature) giving all those life-sustaining needs to baby through the umbilical cord; which makes the cradle "rock" (ie function properly and do what it was designed to do).  When the bough (water) breaks, the cradle (amniotic sac) will fall ... and down will come baby ... cradle and all.

                                                                                                                                      Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017 / edited 2020 ​

Nestled safely in the womb ... Vintage Illustration: Clara M. Burd

(Hush) Rock-a-bye baby in the tree top,
When the wind blows the cradle will rock,
When the bough breaks the cradle will fall,
And down will come baby cradle and all.

(Popular 19th Century version)

Baby's current home (tree/womb) with gentle ribbon ties inside. A new home awaits (house) with Mom separate, but still ever present. Fairies/angels safeguard the process. Vintage Nursery Rhyme Illustration: Anne Rochester

Family and friends eagerly awaiting the birth ... Vintage Illustration: Mabel Lucie Attwell

Artist Unknown

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2017 / edited 2020 ​