[Verse 1: Archie Roach]

I remember as a boy

Our mama's love and our mama's joy

And I remember our mama's tears

She loved us all, and she made us glad

And when times were hard and times were bad

She'd always chase away our fears

And she'd say

[Chorus: Archie Roach & Emma Donovan]

"Hush now babies, don't you cry

Things look better by and by

Dry your eyes and don't look blue

Keep on smiling, don't feel sad

That there's not much for mum or dad

'Cause come what may

There's plenty here for you"

[Verse 2: Archie Roach]

When I was only six years old

On a winter's night that was so cold

And I could hear a raging storm

She took the blankets from their bed

And wrapped them round each one of us instead

And gave us all a kiss, and we were warm

And then she'd say

[Chorus: Archie Roach & Emma Donovan]

"Hush now babies, don't you cry

Things look better by and by

Dry your eyes and don't look blue

Keep on smiling, don't feel sad

That there's not much for mum or dad

'Cause come what may

There's plenty here for you"

[Verse 3: Archie Roach]

One time when Christmas came around

She cooked a bird that weighed about three pounds

And seven children had a share

She gave our dad a weary smile

Held him close and closed her eyes a while

And she seemed to say a silent prayer

And then she'd say

[Chorus: Archie Roach & Emma Donovan]

"Hush now babies, don't you cry

Things look better by and by

Dry your eyes and don't look blue

Keep on smiling, don't feel sad

That there's not much for mum or dad

'Cause come what may

There's plenty here for you"

[Post-Chorus: Archie Roach]

Now I'm a man, now I am grown

I've got these lovely children of my own

I remember mama's words today

Our mama said

[Chorus: Archie Roach & Emma Donovan]

"Hush now babies, don't you cry

Things look better by and by

Dry your eyes and don't look blue

Keep on smiling, don't feel sad

That there's not much for mum or dad

'Cause come what may

There's plenty here for you

'Cause come what may

There's plenty here for you"