The Sugarplum Tree
Words by Longfellow         Music by D.L.Marshall, 1952

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When I would rock my new baby brother, Butch, I always sang a lullaby or two. This was exactly the time that it occured to me that a song is merely a poem set to music.  I was 17 and in love with life!  This period in my life also saw a great interest in poetry as well as Greek mythology. and I could recite many poems.  This particular poem was very appealing and I simple set it to a tune in my head, then I would sing it.  When my own three children came along, they heard it.  And now, my Grandchildren already know it.  Enjoy!

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Have you ever heard of The Sugarplum Tree,
    'Tis a marvel of great renown.
It blooms on the shore of the lollipop tree,
    In the garden of shut-eye town.

And the fruit that it bears is so wondrously sweet,
    As those who have tasted it say.
Good little children have only to eat,
    Of that fruit to be happy next day.

When you get to that tree, you would have a hard time,
    To capture the fruit of which I sing.
The tree is so tall that no person can climb
    To the boughs wehre the sugarplums swing.

But, up in that tree sits a chocolate cat,
    A gingerbread dog prowls below.
This is the way you contrive to get at,
    Those sugarplums tempting you so.

You say but a word to that gingerbread dog,
    And be BARKS with such terrible zest.
That the chocolate cat is at once all agog,
    As her swelling purportions atest.

And the chocolate cat goes cavorting around,
    From this leafy limb unto that.
Sugarplums tumble, of course, to the ground...
    HURRAH! For the chocolate cat!

There are marshmallows, gumdrops and peppermint canes,
    With striplings of scarlet and gold.
You carry away of that treasure that rains,
    As much as your apron can hold.

So come little child, cuddle closer to me,
    In your dainty white night-cap and gown.
I'll rock you away to that sugarplum tree,
    In the garden of shut-eye town.