there was a time
before I was a grain in the sands of time
before the day that I was born
that's when you loved me

there was a time
before my name was written in your mind
you dreamt of what my life would be
that's when you loved me

before I could do anything myself
when I needed your help to reach the top shelf
when I thought you had your ducks all in a row
and I would ask you why and you'd say honey, I don't know

but one thing I know for sure
as sure as anything in the world
I love you, my darling
and though you're getting older you will always be my little girl

little girl, little girl, stay happy while you can
before the world hardens you and molds you in its hands
don't take yourself too seriously, don't cry when they put you down
don't let them steal your joy away, don't let them make you frown

sing your songs and draw your scenes
and write your plays and live your dreams
don't be afraid to raise your hand
their acceptance is a house on sand
don't put away your tapping shoes
don't play pretend when you've got the blues
believe the ones who love you do
don't think that you don't need them too

don't be afraid to let them in
to see your weakness and your pain
don't throw in the towel when you make a mistake
let them teach you how to be great
don't think you aren't who you were meant to be
it takes a while to grow from seed, little girl

and though I'm getting older I will always be your little girl