Fedia Bean was kind enough to share her recording of the well-loved Haitian lullaby, “Dodo ti pitit manman” (Sleep Little Baby). 

It’s interesting to note that lullabies around the world often have something a little scary to “threaten’” kids with if they don’t go to sleep.  In this lullaby it’s a crab that will eat the child if he doesn’t sleep.  Of course, most kids adults sing lullabies to are babies who don’t really understand the meaning of the song.  They only know the loving voice that’s singing it and lulling them to sleep.

You can listen to the “Dodo ti pitit manman” below while reading along with the Haitian Creole lyrics.  Below that you’ll find an English translation.

Enjoy!

Dodo Ti Pitit Manman by Fedia Bean

Dodo ti pitit manman

Dodo ti pitit manman
do-o-do ti pitit manman
Si ou pa dodo krab la va mange’w
Si ou pa dodo krab la va mange’w

Manman ou pa la lalé nan maché
papa ou pa la l’alé larivyè
Si ou pa dodo krab la va mange’w
Si ou pa dodo krab la va mange’w

English Translation:

Night-night little mama*,
Night-night little mama,
If you don’t sleep, the crab will eat you
If you don’t sleep, the crab will eat you.

Your mama isn’t here, she went to the market,
Your papa isn’t here, he went to the river,
If you don’t sleep, the crab will eat you
If you don’t sleep, the crab will eat you.

*Endearing term for a little baby.

Many thanks to Fedia from Caribbean Living for sharing her lovely recording of this lullaby!  Translation by Mama Lisa.