Well, what are you going to be, my boy,
When you've reached your manhood years?
A doctor or lawyer or actor who
Gives laughter or gives tears?
But he shook his head as he replied
In a serious way, he had,
I don't think I'd care to be any of them,
I want to be like my dad.
He wants to be like his dad, you men,
Did you ever think as you pause,
That the boy who watches your every move
Is building a set of laws?
He's molding a life you're the model for,
And whether it's good or bad,
Depends on the kind of examples set
For the boy who would be like his dad.
Would you have him go everywhere you go?
Have him do just the things you do?
And see everything that your eyes behold
And woo all the gods you woo?
When you see the devotion that shines in the eyes
Of that lovable little lad,
Will you be content if he gets his wish
And grows up like his dad?
It's a job no one but you can fill
It's a charge you must answer for.
It's a duty to show him the road to tread
'Ere he reaches manhood's door.
It's a debt you owe, for the greatest joy
That a father ever had
Is the pleasure of having a boy to raise
Who wants to be like his dad.