Tom Rush - Child's Song

Beautiful song from 1970. Lyrics:

Goodbye Mama goodbye to you, too Pa
Little sister you'll have to wait a while to come along
Goodbye to this house and all its memories
We just got too old to say we're wrong
Got to make one last trip to my bedroom
Guess I'll have to leave some stuff behind
It's funny how the same old crooked pictures
Just don't seem the same to me tonight
There ain't no use in shedding lonely tears Mama
There ain't no use in shouting at me Pa
I can't live no longer with your fears Mama
I love you but that hasn't helped at all
Each of us must do the things that matter
All of us must see what we can see
It was long ago you must remember
You were once as young and scared as me
I don't know how hard it is yet Mama
When you realize you're growing old
I know how hard is not to be younger
I know you've tried to keep me from the cold
Thanks for all you done, it may sound hollow
Thank you for the good times that we've known
But I must find my own road now to follow
You will all be welcome in my home
I got my suitcase, I must go now
I don't mind about the things you said
I'm sorry Mama I don't know where I'm going
Remember little sister look ahead
Tomorrow I'll be in some other sunrise
Maybe I'll have someone at my side
Mama give your love back to your husband
Father you have taught me well, goodbye
Goodbye Mama, goodbye to you too Pa

Category:

Music

Tags:

• oldies
• 70's
• singer/songwriter
• folk
• music

[Bizguy1217]

Born in 1957, I discovered Tom Rush when I was about 15 or 16, and played this LP until I wore out the vinyl grooves. Hearing this song now brings more mature emotions along with more mature tears. What a deeply profound piece, since both my parents have died. I still say good-byes every day. God bless you, Tom Rush.

[bze2nlz4]

@Bizguy1217 Wonderful comment :) I first heard this about the time I was leaving home...and no matter how many times I hear it, I still get choked up.  Life has come full circle, now that my own children are moving on. Brilliant composition.

[MrJbrennan12345]

My girlfriend and family met me at LA Airport in 1969.....I just got back from Vietnam.....I was a shattered man..When we got in the car this was the first song I heard...It will always bring a tear to my eye...

[mberkeleylyon]

I first heard this when I was about 20, and I wanted to live the words, but I just sang them. Now I am 62 , never lived the words,but I still sing them, and wonder what my sons think ...

Mark

[tmf945]

Good on ya Tom

[singersimon1]

@cunnidvd Boy does it ever! Fabulous!

[cunnidvd]

Great album takes me back

[Geotubest]

Fantastic song. Just discovered this artist.

[jaygeecee13]

This song has made me cry since I was in my 20's in the '70s. Now I see it as a parent, too. So wonderful.

[tippimail1]

Great,great song,great album.What more can i say.Thanks for posting.And thank you,Tom.

[redrocklass]

These were the good old days when there was so much love, fun, creativity, incredible talent and wisdom . . .

[jstraw4]

This song has been making me weep all summer as I say goodbye to my son, off to grad school on the other end of the continent. I put it on a tape in 1985 when I left my parents' home for long distance move....and now the circle is complete. Thanks for a poignant, beautiful and deeply moving song, Tom Rush.