American Old Time Song Lyrics: 38 Playthings

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 38

PLAYTHINGS.
Copyright, 1893, by Chas. W. Held.
Words by Chas. Edwards. Music by Geo. C. Edwards.

In a long-forgotten nook, upon the attic old,
All by chance I found the toys that once gave joys untold;
Covered o'er with dust of years, they lay upon the floor.
Yet they brought to me the days I'll gaze upon no more.
There was still the ball and top my mother gave to me,
Once again I seemed to climb upon her loving knee;
There the little wagon lay; I took it up and smiled,
Thinking of the joys it brought when I was but a child

Chorus.
Playthings, playthings, mine in the dear long ago;
Playthings, playthings, bright are the dreams that glow;
Playthings, playthings, when all around me smiled;
Tears now fall on the playthings I had when but a child.

Where are now the happy hearts that joined my childish glee?
Where the mother's joyous smile that seemed like heaven to me?
Yonder is the vacant chair where father watched me play-
Every tiny broken toy recalls his face to-day.
Once again at twilights' close my mother breathes a prayer;
Oh, the gentle good-night kiss I seem to fondly share;
'Round me now I seem to hear her voice in warning mild;
'Twas she gave these toys to me when I was but a child.-Chorus.

Life has brought us playthings new since childhood's happy day;
What are all its gains but toys that quickly fade away?
Here beside these playthings old, I wander once again
Back to home's delightful hours that knew no cloud of pain;
So these toys my childhood knew I'll treasure in my heart.
For the touch of loving hands from them can ne'er depart.
Tho' from early days the thought by care is oft beguiled,
Dear shall be these broken toys I had when but a child.- Chorus.