I don't remember mama
She died when I was born
We lived in a one room shanty
But daddy tried to make it a home

When I was only six years old
Started singing in the streets
And people would throw me pennies
So I could help daddy make ends meet

He'd say

[CHORUS]
Keep on singing
Don't stop singing
You're gonna be a star someday
You're gonna make
A lot of people happy
When they come to hear you play
He'd say keep on singing
Keep the bells a ringing
Spread your music from town to town
There's not enough love
In this old world
So spread your songs around

By the time I was ten years old
I had a little rock and roll band
And Daddy's eyes were growing dim
But I didn't understand

He would be so proud of me
Each time he'd hear us play
At night, he'd call me to his side
And daddy'd always say, he'd say

[Repeat CHORUS]

He didn't have much money
But things never seemed so bad
And I felt like
The king of the world
When I was with my dad

Then one rainy April night
Daddy called me to his side
He held me there with trembling hands
Just before he died, he said

[Repeat CHORUS]

I thought my heart was breaking
Daddy was my dearest friend
Now every time I sing a song
I can hear him say again, he'd say

[Repeat CHORUS]