When I was small I had dolls
Some could walk
Some could talk
Some could cry
Others would wet when I'd lie 'em down
And like a mother I'd rock them sleep with some old melody
One I had learned at my mother's knee
And their tiny eyes would close on a hinge
Not to open 'til I sat 'em up straight
With just one sad cry
They'd lie there – 'til I decided
The time had gone to play
Then one day I sang my song
Sang it for the last time
Left them there to lie forever in the dark
By and by I went to school
To learn of life and all it's mysteries
Found its pleasures after sundown in the park
Where at first I walked alone
Soon walked with others
'Til the one to hold my hand had that touch to set me off
I got married and had children
A house and furniture
A dentist, a doctor - to monitor each cough
Then one day I called my daughter
I called her by her little name
I found her playin' house in the dining room
The table was her room
And books were her play-chairs
Every doll was dressed and working
Some with dustpans and some with brooms
And then I got down beside her
To help make her little home
My fingers fumbled with the snaps
I couldn't hold Barbie's coat
Then they clicked
And I remembered
When I was small I had dolls
Some could walk
Some could talk
Some could cry
Others would wet when I'd lie 'em down
And like a mother I'd rock them sleep with some old melody
One I had learned at my mother's knee
But you - you're like no doll
You don't fall asleep after I've kissed you goodnight
And unlike your doll you won't stay small
You'll grow and grow too soon to take flight