My Child

Lyrics

(spoken) [MRS LYONS] Hello, Mrs J. How are you? Mrs J? Anything wrong? [MRS JOHNSTONE] I had it all worked out. With one more baby I coulda managed. But not with two! The welfare have already been onto me [MRS LYONS] Twins? You're expecting twins? [NARRATOR] How quickly an idea planted can Take root and grow into a plan The thought conceived in this very room Grew as surely as a seed in a mother's womb [MRS LYONS] Give one to me. Please, Mrs Johnstone, please [MRS JOHNSTONE] Are y' that desperate to have a baby? (sung) [MRS LYONS] Each day I look out from this window I see him with his friends I hear him call I rush down, but as I fold my arms around him He's gone Was he ever there at all? I've dreamed of all the places I would take him The games we'd play, the stories I would tell The jokes we'd share, the clothing I would make him I reach out, but as I do he fades away [MRS JOHNSTONE] If my child was raised in a palace like this one He wouldn't have to worry where his next meal was coming from His clothing would be supplied by George Henry Lee [MRS LYONS] He'd have all his own toys And a garden to play in [MRS JOHNSTONE] He could make too much noise Without the neighbours complainin' [MRS LYONS] Silver trays to take meals on [MRS JOHNSTONE] A bike with both wheels on [MRS LYONS] Yes! And he'd sleep every night In a bed of his own [MRS JOHNSTONE] He wouldn't get into fights He'd leave matches alone And you'd never find him Effin' and blindin' [MRS LYONS] Never! [MRS JOHNSTONE] And when he grew up He could never be told To stand and queue up For hours on end at the dole He'd grow up to be [MRS JOHNSTONE & MRS LYONS] A credit to me! (spoken) [MRS JOHNSTONE] To you? [MRS LYONS] Yes [MRS JOHNSTONE] But I would still be able to see him every day, wouldn't I? [MRS LYONS] Oh, of course you would! [MRS JOHNSTONE] An' you'd look after him, wouldn't y'? (sung) [MRS LYONS] I'd keep him warm in the winter And cool when it shines I'd pull out his splinters Without making him cry I'd always be there If his dream became a nightmare My child [MRS JOHNSTONE and MRS LYONS] My child My child