The Cunnin Little Thing

By Eugene Field

Ballad
    When baby wakes of mornings,     Then it's wake, ye people all!     For another day     Of song and play     Has come at our darling's call!     And, till she gets her dinner,     She makes the welkin ring,     And she won't keep still till she's had her fill -     The cunnin' little thing!     When baby goes a-walking,     Oh, how her paddies fly!     For that's the way     The babies say     To other folk "by-by";     The trees bend down to kiss her,     And the birds in rapture sing,     As there she stands and waves her hands -     The cunnin' little thing!     When baby goes a-rocking     In her bed at close of day,     At hide-and-seek     On her dainty cheek     The dreams and the dimples play;     Then it's sleep in the tender kisses     The guardian angels bring     From the Far Above to my sweetest love -     You cunnin' little thing!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem captures the joy, love, and wonder associated with infancy, painting a picture of a day in the life of a beloved baby. The key themes revolve around innocence, the pure delight of childhood, and the deep affection of those around the child. The tone is light-hearted and affectionate, infused with a sense of warmth and charm that underscores the poet's affection for the child.

The poem's structure is traditional, each stanza ending with the endearing phrase, "The cunnin' little thing!" This repetition emphasizes the poet's fondness for the baby and gives a rhythmic, song-like quality to the poem. The poet uses vivid, playful imagery ("the dreams and the dimples play") and personification ("The trees bend down to kiss her") to evoke the enchantment of childhood and the love and care surrounding the infant. The language is accessible and sweet, further enhancing the poem's warmth.

The use of the colloquial term "paddies" and the phrase "by-by" brings an element of realism to the poem, grounding it in everyday experiences of parenthood. Ultimately, the poem is a celebration of the simple, everyday moments that make up a child's life, and the profound joy and love these moments inspire in those who care for them.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.