To My Daughter
I know the time will come
When you'll be taken from me
I've watched you growing up
With every passing day
I know the time will come
For life will soon demand it
When you will find someone
Who'll take you far away
And you will never see
The sadness in my smile
Your eyes will overflow
With happiness and tears
No you will never see the shadow
In my heart as I watch for the word
The spring of all my years
And I'll conceal the pain
Beneath a father's pride
While in the silent church
Together side by side
Each measured step
Would bring me closer to the time
You'll say the simple words
And I'll be left in sorrow
For what is mine today
Will never see tomorrow
I'll have to step aside
For someone I don't know
When all is said and done
He'll lead and you will follow
While through the stained glass window
I'll watch my daughter go.
I know the time will come
You'll blossom ever gently
One day from innocence
To woman wordly wise
I know the time will come
One unexpected moment
The dawn of life anew
Will awaken in your eyes
For he will come along
With all his boyish charms
He'll take your heart away
And leave me empty arms
And I will rue this day
This day he comes to you
With promises of love
To make your dreams come true
And though he takes our name
And gives you his instead
He'll never know the times
I stood beside your bed
Already I despise
this stranger with no face
But if he'll bring you joy
My heart to him I'll render
I'll give to him your hand
Our name I will surrender
Yes, I will do all this
Because I love you so
And as I see you now
Sweet child so softly sleeping
Your youth a moment's keeping
The time has come, I know.