Audra McDonald - Cradle and All lyrics

It's time I sing this song for
Her she never sang for me
The one about the child falling
From the family tree
It’s not like she didn't love me, no
That I'd never believe
It was just so hard to give
And even harder to receive

So hush, oh hush, don’t you cry
I'm singing to you this lullaby
So tiny, so fragile
Where once you stood tall
Oh hush, oh hush, don't you fret
Your melody isn't over yet
And I will forgive you, as you will forget
Or down will come baby, cradle and all
Down will come baby, cradle and all
It's time I wrote that song for
Him he couldn't write for me
He was not the type to jump for joy
Hand out cigars for free
It's not like he didn't love, no
That I’d couldn’t conceive
There are many ways a man can stay
And many ways that he can leave

So hush, oh hush, don't you cry
I’m writing this simple lullaby
The girl in the doorway
Who's bouncing the ball
Oh hush, oh hush, don't you fear
For if you are far, or if you're near
Pretend that you’re here now to
Sing in my ear
Or down will come baby, cradle and all
Down will come baby, cradle and all

It's time I wrote a song for her
Who hovers like a dream between
The here and there
It's time I wrote a song for him
Who vanished like a moonbeam
In the floodlight's glare to who knows where

So hush, oh hush, don't you cry
I'm singing this simple lullaby
The house has a window where there was a wall
Oh hush, oh hush, don't be scared
I know that you tried, I know cared
Let's put it behind us
That noise in the hall
Or down will come baby, cradle and all
Or down will come baby, cradle and all
Cradle and all