Mommie, Ain't That Daddy

(album: Just Between You And Me - 1968)

The snow was falling swiftly and it mounted on the street
Little footprints in the snow made by our children's feet
As I walked them to the good will store to get some clothes to wear
As we turned around the corner I saw you standing there
I tried to turn the children and walk the other way
I prayed they hadn't seen you then I heard the baby say
"Mommie, ain't that Daddy holding out his hand
Begging for money from that other man?"

They asked me "Ain't that Daddy?"
And "Yes" I had to say
And I wondered if I'd failed you
And made you turn this way

No, you didn't fail me, my weakness was just too strong
Because you see, I thought more of the bottle than our family and our home
No, you didn't fail me sweetheart, you loved me all you could
You had my babies and you loved me like no other woman ever would

You know I guess I'd be better off dead
Than in the awful ship I'm in
But death just don't seem to have a place for those that stay drunk on whiskey, wine and gin
You see I die a constant death over and over every day

If I could change, you know I'd do it for you, the babies and our home
But you might as well forget me for I'm just too forward gone
But I wish you would do me one last favor and do it just for me
When they ask you, "Momma ain't that Daddy?"
Just say "It used to be"