I hear a child crying--
embraced, his ma dying--
feel their empty tummies.
Shed a tear for children . . .
if no one else cares . . . be there.
Some teach children to steal--
that garbage is a meal--
some live on the dark streets.
Shed a tear for children . . .
if no one else cares . . . be there.
Who puts guns in their hands,
ne’er helps them understand
the way living should be.
Shed a tear for children . . .
if no one else cares . . . be there.
Medical care is nil,
some curse, do evil’s will,
parents have no control.
Shed a tear for children . . .
if no one else cares . . . be there.
When they steal their first car--
sneak them into a bar--
alcohol’s their reward.
Shed a tear for children . . .
if no one else cares . . . be there.
When they wind up in jail,
sell dope to pay their bail . . .
fool yourself. Say, “All’s well.”
Shed a tear for children . . .
if no one else cares . . . be there.
When their guidance is grim
and their future dreams dim,
pray for what might have been
. . . to be.