Robert Lee: Music

Money and Tears

(Robert Lee)

I saw an old man sitting on a park bench with his back turned to the wind
He was talking to all the pigeons as they wandered close to him
He looked so tired and so lonely and his wrinkled clothes were so worn
But when I offered him a few dollars he gave me a look of scorn

He said Son I don’t need your money I’ve got more than I can spend
Cause money and tears can’t bring back the years I spent with my best friend
She was my wife for over 40 years and I loved her till the end
But now she’s gone with God and this hole in my heart it just won’t seem to mend

I saw a young man sitting by the highway, he looked so lost and deprived
His face was long as he petted a dog that lay close by his side
So I offered him a few dollars so he wouldn’t have to beg for a ride
But when he looked up at me I could see the sorrow in his eyes

He said Sir I don’t need your money, I’ve got more than I can spend
Cause money and tears can’t bring back the years I spent with my best friend
You see he was my pal since childhood we were together all the time
But he couldn’t keep up with me anymore so he lay down here and died

Saw a woman looking through a window at a children’s store one day
There was a tear in her eye and I thought that I could help her find a way
So I offered her a twenty so she could buy a child a game She turned around and she thanked me and then she began to explain

I wish it was only money but I’ve got more than I spend
Cause money and tears can’t bring back the years I spent my best friend
You see my best friend was my daughter and her baby was well on the way
When the twin towers fell she was in the stairwell, we all lost so much that day

So I turned and walked home to my cottage, it’s small but it’s fine for me
And I was aware that my children were there, and they both climbed on my knees.
And I said to myself, “You’re a rich man. And you have been all the while”
Cause wealth isn’t measured in dollars, but hugs and kisses and smiles.

You see I don’t need any money. I’ve got more than I can spend.
Cause money and tears can’t replace the years I’ve spent with you my friend.
You’ve always been there listening when I played my silly songs
Sometimes you laughed and sometimes you cried but you always sang along.