Aaron Copland, best known for his classical compositions, brought the song into the concert world by arranging it as part of his Old American Songs. His version added depth and grace while keeping the simple charm of the original.
Years later, Olivia Newton-John, who’s known for her soft voice and gentle ballads, recorded her tender take on the lullaby. It reflected her talent for making emotional songs feel personal and comforting.
Following this, Caroline Herring also offered her memorable interpretation of the lullaby. Herring, a respected folk singer-songwriter, is celebrated for her storytelling and evocative vocals.
Although their styles are different, all these artists breathed new life into the lullaby through calm, heartfelt singing that remains true to the song’s message of care and rest.
About the Song
All the Pretty Little Horses is a traditional American lullaby. The lyrics promise a child beautiful horses once they stop crying and fall asleep.
The song has been passed down through generations, carrying themes of care, comfort, and rest. Different versions highlight different feelings; some are peaceful and dreamy, while others have a hint of sadness.
| Detail | Aaron Copland | Olivia Newton-John | Caroline Herring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Released | 1950s (arranged) | September 9, 1989 | March 4, 2008 |
| Album | Old American Songs | Warm and Tender | Lantana |
| Writers | Traditional (arranged by Copland) | Traditional | Traditional |
| Producers | Unknown | John Farrar | Rich Brotherton, Caroline Herring |
All the Pretty Little Horses Lyrics by Aaron Copland
Hush you bye,
Don’t you cry,
Go to sleepy little baby.
When you wake,
You shall have,
All the pretty little horses.
Blacks and bays,
Dappls and grays,
Coach and six-a little horses.
Blacks and bays,
Dapples and grays,
Coach and six-a little horses.
Hush you bye,
Don’t you cry,
Go to sleepy little baby.
When you wake,
You’ll have sweet cake and
All the pretty little horses.
A brown and gray and a black and a bay and a
Coach and six-a little horses.
A black and a bay ad a brown and a gray and a
Coach and six-a little horses.
Hush you bye,
Don’t you cry,
Oh you pretty little baby.
Go to sleepy little baby.
Oh you pretty little baby.
All the Pretty Little Horses Lyrics by Olivia Newton-John
Hushabye, don’t you cry
Go to sleep, ye little baby
When you wake, you shall have
All the pretty little horses
Dapples and Greys, Pintos and Bays
All the pretty little Horses
Way down yonder
In the meadow
Poor little baby cryin’ Mamma
Birds and the butterflies
Flutter ’round his eyes
Poor little baby cryin’ Mamma
Hushabye, don’t you cry
Go to sleep, ye little baby
When you wake, you shall have
All the pretty little horses
Dapples and Greys, Pintos and Bays
All the pretty little Horses
All the Pretty Little Horses Lyrics By Caroline Herring
Hush-a-bye, don’t you cry
Go to sleep my little baby
When you wake, you shall see
Coach and six-a-little horses
Blacks and bays, dapples and grays
All the pretty little horses
Hush-a-bye, don’t you cry
Go to sleep my little baby
When you wake, you shall have
All the pretty little horses
Blacks and bays, dapples and grays
All the pretty little horses
Blacks and bays, dapples and grays
All the pretty little horses
Similar Songs Like All the Pretty Little Horses
These tracks carry soft melodies, quiet moods, or themes of comfort and care, just like All the Pretty Little Horses.
- Sam: Soft ballad that shows Olivia’s ability to bring warmth and quiet strength to her songs, much like her take on the lullaby.
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Have You Never Been Mellow: This gentle ballad features soft vocals and soothing instrumentation, capturing a peaceful, comforting mood similar to a lullaby.
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I Honestly Love You: A tender, classic song with a gentle arrangement and heartfelt delivery, offering a quiet sense of reassurance and warmth
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True Colors: A classic showcase of gentle, emotive vocals, creating a tender atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection much like a lullaby’s comfort.
Similar Artists Like Aaron Copland, Olivia Newton-John & Caroline Herring
Here are some artists who might interest you. They blend folk, soft pop, and classical tones with strong vocals and emotional delivery.
- Emmylou Harris
Genre: Country / Folk
Top Albums: Wrecking Ball, Pieces of the Sky - Norah Jones
Genre: Jazz / Soft Pop
Top Albums: Come Away with Me, Feels Like Home - Judy Collins
Genre: Folk
Top Albums: Wildflowers, Who Knows Where the Time Goes - Joan Baez
Genre: Folk
Top Albums: Diamonds & Rust, Farewell Angelina - James Taylor
Genre: Folk / Soft Rock
Top Albums: Sweet Baby James, Hourglass
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Wrote All the Pretty Little Horses?
The song is considered traditional; the original writer is unknown.
Is All the Pretty Little Horses Used in Any Movies or Shows?
Yes, notably it was featured in episodes of series such as Wynonna Earp (Season 1, Episode 5), Supergirl (Season 3, Episode 23), Ransom (Season 3, Episode 10), and The Resident (Season 3, Episode 18).
What is the Origin of All the Pretty Little Horses?
It is a traditional American lullaby believed to have roots in African-American folk culture.
