The Games That Daddies Play

He put his arm around her shoulder

And with a voice that sounded older

He said, "Mom, I got something on my mind

I don't wanna bother you, but I sure need to talk to you

If you can only spare the time"

"And mom, I hope you understand

How much I love and need you

And I don't want you to take this the wrong way

But don't you think I'm old enough

And big enough and strong enough

To play the games that daddies play"

My friend, Billy Parker's dad

Came by today to see me

And he wondered if I'd like to go

With him and Billy on a hike

And maybe camp out overnight

The way I've seen 'em do in picture shows

And there's one thing I'd like to do

And maybe if I ask him to

He'd sit and talk with me, man to man

We'd only be gone overnight

And I could find out what it's like

To play the games that daddies play

She quickly turned to hide the tears

From her son of seven years

He didn't know she'd read between the lines

He'd never really known his dad

And although he'd never ask

She knew exactly what was on his mind

She searched her mind in desperation

Six long years of separation

Dimmed the words she knew she had to say

I hope you're never big enough

Or old enough or bold enough

To play the games that daddies play

I know you need and want his love but

Son, you're the victim of

Another kind of game that daddies play