Ben King's Verse/Keep Him a Baby
Keep him a baby as long as you can;
Bless him, the dear little, cute, cunning man!
Keep him in dresses, and apron, and bib;
Rock him to sleep in his own little crib.
Keep him a baby enjoying his toys--
Soon enough he will be one of the boys;
Keep him a baby and keep him at home--
Manhood will very soon cause him to roam.
Ofttimes at night when he wakes for a frolic,
Don't get excited--it's only the colic;
When he has reason your slumbers to mar,
Get up and walk with him, just as you are.
First it is Winslow and then it is squills,
Then you will find one or two doctor's bills,
Though he's a trouble at times, it is true,
When he grows up he will take care of you.
Keep him a baby still taking his nap,
Don't you chastise him for any mishap;
When he falls off a sofa or chair,
Don't stop his crying by calling a bear.
Keep him a baby and do as I say;
Take him to ride in his carriage each day;
Show him the bossie, the horse and the bow-wow;
Soon you will hear him say "moo!" to the cow.
Keep him a baby: he'll soon be a boy,
Then he'll forsake every plaything and toy;
Keep him a baby--he'll soon be a man,
Keep him a baby as long as you can.