Though this jewel of wisdom might be of interest to the group, since you've
probably own a copy of "The Missouri Waltz" in your roll collection ...

- - - -

From the Boston Globe:

Q: What can you tell me about the history of the "Missouri Waltz" ?
   What are the lyrics to the tune ?

A: It was written by James Royce, using the pseudonym of J.R. Shannon.
   The music was provided by Fredrick Knight Logan, who is believed to
   have acquired the melody from a young African-American who sang it
   to him. The tune was originally published in 1914 as a piano
   instrumental. In 1949, the tune became the official state song of
   Missouri despite the objections of African-American legislators
   who took offense at references to "pickaninnies", "hummin' darkies",
   and other racist expressions. During Harry Truman's administration,
   it served as his unofficial theme song, but according to archivists
   at the Truman Library in Independence, MO., the president hated the
   song.

  The song begins:

     Hush-a-bye, ma baby,
        slumbertime is comin' soon;
     Rest yo' head
          upon ma breast,
              while Mammy hums a tune.
     The sand-man is callin'
        where shadows are fallin'.
     While the soft breezes sigh
        as in days gone by.

- Karl Ellison  - Ashland, Massachusetts