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]