DEAR LITTLE BOY OF MINE
(Ernest R Ball (m) J Keirn Brennan (l) 1918)

as recorded by Ann Breen


(Dear little boy of mine)

Oft when I'm lonely my memory swings
Back to your baby days,
Feeling the joy that a baby brings
Out of God's wondrous ways.
Seeming to hear the first prayer you said,
Longing to tuck you in bed,
There's no-one knows how I long for you now,
Here with my arms outspread.

Boy of mine,
Boy of mine,
Although my heart was aching,
I seemed to know
You'd want to go,
Pride in your manhood waking.
I'll be here,
Waiting, dear,
Till at a glad dawn's breaking,
I'll hear you say
You're home to stay,
Dear little boy of mine,
Dear little boy of mine!

Out of the mist of those wonderful years,
I see your baby smile.
Days when I kissed you and dried your tears
Seem such a little while.
Hearing the words mother taught you to say,
Watch you at your childish play,
For always in dreams,
You're with me, it seems,
Just as you'll be some day!

Boy of mine,
Boy of mine,
Although my heart was aching,
I seemed to know
You'd want to go,
Pride in your manhood waking.
I'll be here,
Waiting, dear,
Till at a glad dawn's breaking,
I'll hear you say
You're home to stay,
Dear little boy of mine,
Dear little boy of mine!




(Transcribed by Peter Akers - October 2018)