I want to be a dear old-fashioned mother,
Just like the one who loved and cared for me,
Who guided and directed through my childhood
And made me all I am or hope to be.
I want to know just how to soothe a heartache
And comfort when the eyes are wet with tears;
Just how to lead unknowing little footsteps
In paths of right to follow through the years.
If I can be a dear old-fashioned mother
And fill the place that mine has filled for me,
Be worthy of the love of trusting children—
'Tis all I ask or ever long to be.