I wish I heeded what my mother said
She told me early always go to bed
She said I had to eat up all my greens
And to keep my hands all washed and clean
Yet I never ever did
She told not to make a lot of noise
And to tidy up my games and toys
And not to leave my clothes upon the floor
She shouted if I loudly banged the door
But alas, I always did
She said I always had to walk not run
She warned me never leave my tasks for fun
And not to stay out late into the night
No mischief now, no giving olduns frights
But guess what I would do
She taught I had to learn a decent trade
And warned me not to waste the coin I'd made
She hoped I would become an honest lad
And urged me off from doing deeds quite bad
Oh my, if only she knew
She told me not to eat too many pies
"Or you will get too fat", she'd often cry!
She lectured on the ills of too much beer
How moderation's not a thing to fear
Still I ate and drank too much
Now I'm here, just supping on an ale
Sat thinking of the times that I have failed
Of all the times I've left a plate of greens
And looking at my hands I should have cleaned
I need a mother's touch!
For Mothers always surely know what's best
From your first steps to when you fly the nest
Make sure your heed whatever Mother says
Her word is good and leads to happy ways
Oh, how I wish I had!
