Nina Simone

Brown Baby

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Brown Baby Lyrics

Brown Baby Brown Baby
As you grow up I want you to drink from the plenty cup
I want you to stand up tall and proud
And I want you to speak up clear and loud
Brown Baby Brown Baby Brown Baby

As years go by I want you to go with your head up high
I want you to live by the justice code
And I want you to walk down freedom's road
You little Brown Baby

So lie away lie away spleeping lie away singing
Lie away sleeping lie away safe in my arms
Till your daddy and you mama protect you
?nd keep you safe from harm
Brown Baby

It makes me glad you gonna have things that I never had
When out of men's heart all hate is hurled
Sweetie you gonna live in a better world
Brown Baby Brown Baby Brown Baby

Submitted by

golgotha On Jun 06, 2002

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Golgotha

Submitter

2002-06-06 16:04:54

2 Meanings

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by rolypolywoofwoof

14y ago

Such a simplistic and beautiful song. I wonder if Nina sang songs that originated with the slaves. I imagine many slave mothers sang lullabies to their babies to bring them as much comfort as possible. It's sad, though, the line about daddy's and mamas protecting their babies when so many "brown babies" are raised by single, young mothers. Thankfully, that sad trend seems to be changing. I hope so anyway.

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by 1little2little3littleIndians

14y ago

Love this song. A much needed song especially decades ago. Here's to February and Black History Month. King's "dream" is on-going. And hopefully community leaders (including church leaders) will help to push education while downplaying early pregnancy. Our brown babies deserve the very best chance in life.

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