NOT IN THIS LIFETIME
Milo Dunderville
Gather ‘round, my children
I’ve something to say
You all know Doc Flanagan
Well, I saw him today
I know you’ve been praying
But the news is not good
The cancer is spreading
Like he told us it would
So I’ll never play mandolin
For I’ll never learn how
Not in this lifetime
Now
James, you’re the oldest
You should take this today
It’s my father’s old mandolin
That he couldn’t play
But there was food on the table
And I’ll not forget
He said, “Know that I’m dying
Without one regret
“And I’ll never play mandolin
For I’ll never learn how
Not in this lifetime
Now”
Your sweet mother Mary
Was taken too soon
It hurts like it was yesterday
Not six years come June
So, children, don’t cry for me
I need you to know
If Mary is waiting there
I’m ready to go
And I’ll play her the mandolin
If God shows me how
In my next lifetime